Discussion it's not the starting point that matter it's where you end up

[Darkover]

Starting points heavily influence outcomes. Someone born into extreme poverty, neglect, or abuse faces far greater obstacles than someone born into wealth, stability, and support. While effort plays a role, circumstances often determine how far someone can realistically go. Luck also plays a major factor in life. Success isn't just about effort; it's also about being in the right place at the right time, having the right connections, or avoiding misfortune. Many hardworking people never "make it" simply because they didn't get the right breaks.

Some outcomes are unchangeable no matter how much effort is put in. People born with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health struggles often have limitations beyond their control. This makes the idea of "ending up somewhere better" impossible for many. In the end, life ends the same way for everyone—death. No matter where someone starts or finishes, they still die. If the journey is full of suffering, the final destination (death) doesn't necessarily justify the struggle.

Focusing only on the endpoint ignores the fact that life is lived moment by moment. If someone suffers their entire life and only finds peace at the very end, does that mean their life was worthwhile? What if someone works endlessly for a goal and dies before achieving it? The idea that "where you end up matters most" dismisses the reality that many people never reach a good place, no matter how hard they try. Not everyone gets a fair chance. Some work hard their whole lives and still suffer due to circumstances beyond their control, while others inherit privilege and succeed with minimal effort. The belief that only the endpoint matters assumes life is fair when, in reality, it isn't.

 

[Pluto]

 

[ijustwishtodie]

I just wish that my starting point never existed at all so that I don't have to deal with the pain of just merely living

 

[Forever Sleep]

I think what actually matters is up to the individual. Some people 'make it' in life and are still unhappy. Whether they had a good start in life or not. Some people are (probably rightly) very proud of their rags to riches past. Some feel guilty for being born lucky so, don't fully enjoy their success. Some enjoy the journey, some don't.

But yes, I agree. Of course the past has relevence. We wouldn't feel inspired by rags to riches stories if the past didn't matter. We wouldn't praise people for overcoming adversity.

I guess this kind of saying is about not letting our past define us or, hold us back. It's an optimistic thought. Not all that easy to achieve though. But still- like everything in life- it feels like it's about trying to choose the lesser of the evils. Either you can tell yourself that you were so hard done by in this or that regard that you're doomed to fail so- why bother trying?

Or, you can do what you can to work with what you have. In which case, the chances for success at least start to become a possibility- although, not necessarily a probability. I just think this sort of thing is about trying to motivate us to try. Which actually is a fairly essential component in succeeding.

Or, you can absolutely decide not to. That it isn't worth it. Then, it's whether other people will agree to fund your decision, or you face destitution.

It absolutely is an unfair playing field but unfortunately, it's what we're stuck with. I suppose a lot of people just do what they can to make the best of it. They have to also have some belief that they can change their unhappy circumstances for the better in order they have the motivation to try.