ESCAPING THE PARETO
I guess I have to own up from the very start.
There will be no fictional story in this post.
So, if you only read #LiveTheFuture posts because of the stories, I am sorry to disappoint you but will advise you to read on. This post will ask the questions you have been scared to ask yourself for, possibly, years.
In 2016, I was reading a book and I came across one very interesting theory that attempted to give an explanation to the obvious disparity that exists across the castes of society.
I am talking about the Pareto Theory.
I believe you have heard about this prior to now. If you haven’t, I will give a short definition and explanation.
Paraphrased, the Pareto Theory simply states that 20% of the world’s population own 80% of its wealth, while the remaining 80% share the leftover 20%. This is why this theory is also called the 80:20 principle.
In case you’re finding it hard to understand this concept, let me break it down a bit.
Now, imagine that the total wealth in the world is USD 100,000. Also assume that there only 100 people on earth. The Pareto Theory argues that 20 persons on earth own USD 80,000 as their collective wealth. And, 80 persons own just USD 20,000 as their collective wealth. So few own much and vice versa.
For ease of classification, I’ll call the 20% category the caste of Elites, and the 80% category the caste of Masses.
Now, can I shock you?
If you’re reading this, there is a high chance you’re among the caste of Masses.
Lol. You said God forbid? It’s not a wish dear, I’m telling you reality.
Oh, did you think those millions you have qualifies you to be among the Elites? Your millions account for much more less than 0.0000000000001% of the world’s wealth dear.
If you’re satisfied with your few couple, or even hundreds, of millions, you can keep scrolling. Contentment is key, right? But if you’re like me that is never satisfied with average and wants to be among the caste of Elites, read on.
So, how did you end up here, among the masses, fighting for the crumbs of riches and the ‘hand me downs’ the Elites let slip from their hands?
Well, two reasons majorly.
Number one is birth. And that is simple enough to understand, right? Unfortunately, your parents did not have all the money in the world when they gave birth to you and you can’t really blame them; their own parents also didn’t have money too.
Second reason is education. Yes you heard me right. Formal education, whether you believe it or not, has greatly contributed to you remaining among the caste of Masses. Is education wrong? Definitely not! But there is a type of conditioning that comes with formal education which makes you addicted to your comfort zone, where nothing grows. The path of life that education leads us to is, at best, upper class mediocrity, nothing more.
Sure, you might be thinking, ‘do not the elites get formal education too?’ Of course they do. But in addition to that, they get ‘life education’, which positions them to think out of the box, leave their comfort zones and solve problems.
Is there hope to leave the masses and join the elites?
Sure there is.
The first and easiest way to join the elites is via birth. But since you’re reading this, you’re most likely too late in using this avenue; we’ll look at the others then.
Skills. In a world filled with problems, only problem solvers will reign supreme as value providers. Value brings esteem and with it, wealth. This is your surest bet to escaping the caste of Masses, but unfortunately, education, especially that of the third world, has not really prepared for you for this either.
Deft and courage. If you have all the skills in the world, but you are not courageous, forget it. Leaving the caste of Masses will demand you to leave the status quo of your life and dare your circumstances.
Unfortunately, most people fall short here.
They are too scared to make that daring move. Too scared to fail. Too scared to shun the monthly pay check and chart their own course. And yes, let me say it now, you will not break into the caste of Elites on the wings of a monthly pay check.
Yes, I said it. Quote me anywhere, I’ll answer. You see that monthly income you’re expecting next week? That is the very chain that has held you in mediocrity.
Yes, I am blunt, I know. I don’t care if you earn N50 million every month. So far it’s coming on a monthly schedule; you’re at most 3 months from being broke without it. I said it again, quote me anywhere, I’ll answer.
Take a close look at those among the elites. How many are working for money (basically what salary earners do)? If you have any adverse opinion to this, I will be very glad to hear it.
I will preach this until it sinks. Life is meant to be enjoyed. When last did you do the things you love? When last did you really have fun? Have you caught yourself wishing things will go back to when you were in school, when your only worry was to pass exams and chase that girl or chase away that boy?
Come on, mate. Life is good. Life is to be enjoyed. Sunday evenings are not supposed to be filled with gloom because of the fast end of the weekend. Monday mornings are to be enjoyed. Do not sign up for voluntary slavery because you have some bills to pay or a life style to keep up with.
Think! Think! Think out of that box!
Do you wish to remain among the 80 that shares 20?
May God give you wisdom.
Tobi
#EscapingThePareto #LiveTheFuture
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