Success, of course, begets success.  And vice versa.<p>That&#x27;s kind of what this article was all about.  That you can break through that barrier if you can understand what is shaping your thinking about how the world works.<p>Do you think it&#x27;s possible you&#x27;re conflating scepticism and pessimism with an increased understanding of how the world works?  That is, with more experience?<p>I know I was very optimistic of life what I was in my 20s.  Then, in my 30s, that optimism faded.  Now, in my 40s, I&#x27;ve come to realize that I&#x27;m optimistic again, and I was just naive in my 20s.  Perhaps this cycle will repeat or take a new form as I grow older.  I&#x27;m kind of excited to see what happens.