I don't think that's really something that can be answered

I can't imagine that someone would let themselves starve to death just because they can't be bothered getting a job.
But maybe I'm wrong...

Of the two, misfortune.

I certainly think the environment, the segment of society and a slew of other socio-economic factors come into play. Lack of money leads to lack of opportunity and education, unfortunately.

I think misfortune covers a broad range of possibilities and circumstances, while laziness is simply one factor, which doesn't make them the most preferable counterparts. Considering "misfortune" encompasses countless factors, I go with that one.

I think poverty is self-perpetuating and usually passed down generations.

its not what you know its who you know. Look at henry ford IV or whoever the last one to run ford was - completely incompetent and almost ran the company into the ground. He had it made no matter what and blew it (probably on purpose - who would want to do all that work if they are already going to be rich?) anyway this company isnt really one for great opportunity, not for anything that pays more then chump change. We all know lots of incompetent, overpromoted people (LIKE OBAMA).

laziness you need to get up and get a real job and finish school

On Wednesday 3/24/10 - 6:56:08 PM marc780 wrote: its not what you know its who you know. Look at henry ford IV or whoever the last one to run ford was - completely incompetent and almost ran the company into the ground. He had it made no matter what and blew it (probably on purpose - who would want to do all that work if they are already going to be rich?) anyway this company isnt really one for great opportunity, not for anything that pays more then chump change. We all know lots of incompetent, overpromoted people (LIKE OBAMA).

Funny how Ford is the most successful car company today.

On Wednesday 3/24/10 - 6:56:08 PM marc780 wrote: We all know lots of incompetent, overpromoted people (LIKE OBAMA).

Well that was random.

Any soapbox in a storm griff

On Tuesday 3/23/10 - 10:07:07 PM hamletsghost wrote: I can't imagine that someone would let themselves starve to death just because they can't be bothered getting a job. But maybe I'm wrong...

Being poor doesn't necessarily mean not being able to eat. I'm sue there's a sizable percentage of people who are simply not motivated enough to better their position in life. They are perfectly happy living on $30k; it's enough to live and that's good enough.

Of course, I'm thinking in American terms. On a global scale, misfortune is without a doubt the main cause of poverty.

Frankly, if you have the opportunity to attend a decent school system, and you grow up in a somewhat stable living environment, then you can't claim misfortune for your shortcomings.

On Wednesday 3/24/10 - 6:56:08 PM marc780 wrote: We all know lots of incompetent, overpromoted people (LIKE OBAMA).

Obama may have been promoted a little faster than would have been ideal, but I don't see how anyone could consider him an incompetent person whose success has had to do with any entitlement or privilege.

I was going to go with "Neither," as I don't like either answer choice, but I'm liking what others have said about misfortune. A lot of what is mistaken for laziness today is really defeat, hopelessness, and a continuing cycle of poverty that was inherited.

On Friday 4/23/10 - 7:18:25 PM Raisinman wrote: Being poor doesn't necessarily mean not being able to eat. I'm sue there's a sizable percentage of people who are simply not motivated enough to better their position in life. They are perfectly happy living on $30k; it's enough to live and that's good enough.

I work damn hard for my $30K. I often work 10 hour days and 6 day weeks.

If I could make more, I would.

If you think the poor are living on $30K per year, you're mistaken - they're living on much less.

The poverty level for a family of four is $22,050, according to the US government.

I guess you could call it misfortune, if you pick the wrong parents, or are born in the wrong time and place.

poor people are poor because a powerful minority are working hard to make them that way

Gladwell would think it's based on misfortune (family legacy), while Hill would think it's based on laziness.

To reconcile both views, I would think it's based on dearth of knowledge and a negative neural pathway towards success, not so much laziness (which can be a result of negativity and self- destructiveness), nor misfortune (or legacy) which may be transcended with a correct attitude and know-how.

I think by design.

When you have a democratic society where 95% of the wealth is owned by 1% of the population it's not accidental or there won't be a significant change no matter how many people take a second or third job.

Ask yourself is most people are wealthy because they are lucky or they worked hard?

Most people are wealthy because they inherited wealth in a system that is designed to protect it.

misfortune, mis education, lack of imagination.

Working full time is not lazy.

Laziness

Misfortune. The laziest people are usually those who have enough of a support system to get away with being lazy.

Personally, I chose to work full-time in school so I wouldn't end up out-of-touch with reality like my dad.

On Friday 4/23/10 - 11:06:31 PM Kungfullama wrote: poor people are poor because a powerful minority are working hard to make them that way

How can that be? I thought poor people were by and large minorities?

I don't care for either choice.
a coercive hierarchy that's rigged to perpetuate the capital-owning/middle classes' dominance over the working classes =/= simple misfortune.

a mix of both.

On Saturday 4/24/10 - 6:13:33 AM Boredofu wrote: I think by design. When you have a democratic society where 95% of the wealth is owned by 1% of the population it's not accidental or there won't be a significant change no matter how many people take a second or third job. Ask yourself is most people are wealthy because they are lucky or they worked hard? Most people are wealthy because they inherited wealth in a system that is designed to protect it.

I think it is misfortune. Some people just never get ahead no matter how hard they try. And there are too many lazy rich people.