[giantrobot]

> It doesn’t happen by luck or happenstance. It takes highly skilled management in addition to market timing.

Market timing is just a euphemism for luck.

> Luck isn’t what makes people successful. Hard working people put themselves out there and increase the opportunities for lucky events, but without the hard work and effort the luck wouldn’t be able to happen.

Bullshit. Hard work without luck is often just hard work.

> Looking at successful people and pointing out some advantage they have is just a coping mechanism. Assuming you don’t have some disability, no one is stopping you from succeeding except yourself.

This just sounds like self-help seminar platitudes. I'm recognizing Bezos had advantages lots of other people did not have. He's was a well off white male with connections in the US. He would be notable if he didn't have some manner of success.

Discounting the luck of circumstances is foolish. Idolize Bezos for his business acumen but there's no need to white knight for him if someone points out he started off on second base when you're claiming he hit a home run.

[seibelj]

And a famous musician had parents with the means and ability to purchase lessons and encourage them to practice. I still say the musician should be respected and praised. We can play this game all day. Some will say no one does anything on their own, but I say creating Amazon is an incredible accomplishment worth of praise and study.