[amoorthy]

Just read this article. Very cool how the researchers simulated the role luck plays in society with some neat models. The conclusions they reach are fascinating and counter-intuitive e.g.

>"[I]f the goal is to reward the most talented person (thus increasing their final level of success), it is much more convenient to distribute periodically (even small) equal amounts of capital to all individuals rather than to give a greater capital only to a small percentage of them, selected through their level of success - already reached - at the moment of the distribution."

My two cents from being an entrepreneur: everyone needs luck to succeed but those who are fortunate to have wealth and a support network get far more opportunities for luck to come by. Or, put another way, those with a fortunate background have more chances to fail and find luck eventually than others. Life is not fair but so it is.

[noir_lord]

Perhaps to bastardise an old quote.

"When luck turns up it better find you with a bag of cash"

[BatFastard]

Love that.

I am looking at a great idea that I have been working on, but I am afraid to release it because I know it will be cloned in a matter of months since I can not afford worldwide patent protection.

[amoorthy]

Without much more data I'd say: 1. I once thought the same of an idea I had. When I finally launched it failed. So no one cared to clone it! 2. I have another idea I now think has merit. I've proven some traction with users. Enough that filing a provisional patent makes sense for about $2k. Might want to try this path too.

[BatFastard]

This is not my first time down the primrose path. I already have a few patents in my basket. I been tempted to try filing it myself masochist that I am.

[skookumchuck]

Economic models developed by researchers have a tendency to confirm the opinions of the researchers. I wouldn't base policy on any of them.

[nategri]

Sounds like 'preferential attachment' applies to luck

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preferential_attachment