Life's Inherent Unfairness: Understanding the Pareto Principle and Fairness in Life

"Give me a fruitful error any time, full of seeds, bursting with its own corrections. You can keep your sterile truth for yourself." - Vilfredo Pareto

As we journey through life, it becomes increasingly apparent that fairness is not a fundamental principle governing the natural world. Despite the ideals instilled in us from a young age, the reality is that success and resources are not distributed evenly among individuals. This harsh truth can be difficult to accept, but by examining the Pareto distribution that permeates various aspects of life, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the world we live in.

The Pareto principle, often referred to as the "80-20 rule" or the "law of the vital few," states that approximately 80% of effects stem from 20% of causes. This concept, coined by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, is evident in numerous facets of life, from the distribution of wealth to the varying levels of success among individuals within a species. The natural world is rife with examples of the Pareto distribution, showcasing the uneven allocation of resources and the disparate outcomes that result.

In human societies, the Pareto principle is starkly evident in the distribution of wealth. Consistently, studies have shown that a small percentage of the population, typically around 20%, holds the lion's share of wealth, while the remaining 80% must make do with a significantly smaller portion. This uneven distribution transcends societies, economic systems, and historical periods, indicating that it is a persistent pattern rather than an anomaly.

The Pareto principle also extends to personal productivity and success. In many fields, a disproportionate amount of output or impact can be attributed to a select few individuals. The world of scientific research serves as a prime example, where a relatively small number of scientists are responsible for the majority of groundbreaking discoveries and influential publications. Similarly, in the business world, a handful of companies often dominate their respective markets, while the majority of businesses struggle to gain traction.

For example, in medium.com the famous online blogging / article publishing platform it is known that the very top writers, less than 1% of Medium writers, make $5,000 to $30,000 a month , while around 94% of writers earn under $100 a month.

It is crucial to recognize that the Pareto distribution observed in nature and society is not a matter of fairness, but rather a result of the inherent complexity and variability of life. This realization can be both humbling and empowering. On one hand, it serves as a reminder that success and resources are not always distributed evenly, and that some individuals may possess inherent advantages. On the other hand, it encourages us to focus on cultivating our own unique strengths and abilities, rather than falling into the trap of comparing ourselves to others or expecting a perfectly level playing field.

As we navigate our own paths, understanding the Pareto principle can help us make strategic decisions about where to invest our time and energy. By identifying the areas in which we have the greatest potential for success and fulfillment – our own personal 20% – we can allocate our resources more effectively and increase our chances of achieving our goals.

However, merely recognizing the Pareto principle is not enough. To thrive in an uneven world, we must also cultivate a mindset of resilience and adaptability. Rather than allowing the inherent unevenness of life to discourage us, we must focus on developing the skills and strategies that will enable us to succeed despite the odds. This may involve seeking out mentors who have achieved success in our chosen fields, building a strong support network, and continuously learning and growing in response to new challenges and opportunities.

Ultimately, the key to success in an uneven world is not to strive for perfect fairness or equality, but rather to make the most of the unique circumstances and opportunities that come our way. By understanding the Pareto principle and applying its lessons to our own lives, we can cultivate a sense of purpose, passion, and resilience that will serve us well throughout our personal and professional journeys.

In conclusion, while the lack of inherent fairness in nature and the prevalence of the Pareto distribution may initially seem disheartening, understanding these concepts can be a valuable tool as we navigate the challenges of life. By focusing on personal growth, identifying our areas of greatest potential, and developing a mindset of resilience and adaptability, we can thrive in an uneven world and achieve success on our own terms. We must embrace the fact that our journeys are unique, and our success will be determined not by the fairness of the world around us, but by our ability to make the most of the opportunities and challenges that come our way.