I think a prep school increases your chances of becoming rich not so much because its curriculum is superior, but because of both the role models that are all around you, and the connections you will make. It could be both, it could be either one.

At the very least, if you are smart and talented, some C- student with wealthy parents will latch on to you and say, "Let's go into business. You do the work, and I'll get the money from dad and be the boss..."

I truly believe that the greatest reason for poverty in America is the lack of positive role models. The poor see only other poor around them to emulate, and that is where negative peer-pressure ("So, now you think you're better than us, eh, frat boy?") has its greatest effect. Distant, super-wealthy role-models may work for some, and they may even overcome negative peer-pressure, but without the right kind of upbringing and social support, many will not.

Do we simply say, "Too bad," and move on? Even if that is what we truly felt, is it still wise when we know there is a good chance that person will be a greater burden on society without that assistance?

Is there a way to provide that assistance without a significant number of that minority who would overcome all obstacles simply pretending they are incapable so they can get the same assistance? Would it matter if half of the minority slipped backward if 50% of the majority moved forward with the assistance?

Another problem is, all the people out there who are saying: "If you feed a man a fish, he eats for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime," are not teaching anyone how to fish but are instead too busy buying up all the lakes, rivers and beachfront property, building nets that scoop up entire schools of fish, and selling fishing poles at a 400% markup, while the government assures that you need a license to fish, and must use one of the approved fishing poles, and no sticks with twine and a hook are allowed (for safety reasons: you can starve, but we wouldn't want you to hook your eyeball...).

__________________
Hehetchetu. Wa uyun tinkte!