Motivation is a plus whatever one's circumstances. However, what I was addressing was the uneven playing field between the rich and poor. Rules and protections are in place not only to protect the position of the 1% but to also as barriers to interloping 99%ers. Barbers have to be licensed. California only allows the richest dealerships or car repair places to align headlights. Today, I was reading that Robert Mueller's father was class president at Princeton where Robert Mueller attended. Small world, right?  Robert Mueller is by all accounts a war hero and intelligent but many of us live our lives without ever meeting a Princeton graduate although we have known many war heroes and intelligent motivated people although some are beset with family problems, money problems, health problems, and lack of access to educational opportunities. So while I agree that motivation is a plus, being in the 1% opens doors.