When you reflect on your achievements, what factors come to mind first? Hard work? Talent? Determination? While these qualities undoubtedly contribute to success, how much consideration do we give to the elements completely beyond our control - what we might simply call luck?
The Unacknowledged Role of Fortune
Julian Richer, founder of Richer Sounds and the Fairness Foundation, believes that successful people consistently underestimate luck's influence on their lives. He's not referring to random windfalls like lottery wins, but rather the fundamental circumstances of our birth and upbringing.
"I have been fortunate, and I know it," Richer states candidly. His own journey benefited from multiple advantages: being born in the UK during peacetime, possessing an able body and mind, receiving a good upbringing and exclusive education, and having the freedom to pursue business opportunities.
Perhaps most significantly, Richer acknowledges that his particular talents happened to align with what the marketplace valued and rewarded, enabling his wealth accumulation. This realisation didn't come immediately but developed over time as he recognised the tailwinds that eased his path.
Britain's Meritocracy Myth Exposed
The pervasive belief that we live in a meritocracy - where talent and effort inevitably lead to success - crumbles under statistical scrutiny. Britain currently faces a record wealth gap, with just 50 families owning more wealth than the poorest half of the population.
Meanwhile, approximately one third of children live in poverty, and disadvantaged pupils trail nearly two years behind their peers by GCSE level. Despite these stark realities, 38% of Britons still attribute success primarily to individual merit rather than external factors.
The dangerous corollary to "you can make it if you try" is the implication that those who haven't succeeded simply didn't try hard enough. This thinking legitimises inequality by framing it as "fair," allowing beneficiaries to resist government measures addressing socioeconomic disparities.
The Consequences of Inequality
Growing inequality doesn't just represent abstract injustice - it actively damages Britain's economy and undermines growth. While 85% of the British public express concern about inequality, most politicians consider tackling it either low priority or politically risky.
More insidiously, the meritocratic myth permits socioeconomic inequality to evolve into inequality of esteem, status and dignity. This breeds resentment and disengagement among those deemed second-class citizens, damaging social cohesion and undermining faith in democratic politics.
Richer identifies dismantling the meritocracy myth as one of today's most urgent public life changes. While opinions may differ about whether a truly meritocratic society is desirable or achievable, we should unite around recognising that we don't currently live in one.
A Call for Acknowledgement and Action
Acknowledging luck's role represents a crucial starting point for enabling political leaders to take bolder action against inequality. If more business leaders recognised how fortune favoured them, they might improve pay and conditions for low-paid or insecure workers.
The Fairness Foundation aims to unite successful people willing to publicly acknowledge luck's contribution to their achievements. Their mission involves challenging the meritocratic myth from its centre outward, creating space for better societal conversations about enabling everyone to fulfil their ambitions.
Richer concludes with a simple but profound question: "Do you feel lucky?" For those who answer yes, he extends an invitation to join this movement toward greater awareness and fairness. The retail entrepreneur, author and philanthropist who founded Richer Sounds in 1978 now champions a cause that could fundamentally reshape Britain's approach to success and opportunity.
