[AlexandrB]

To steelman the argument that wealth is earned, this kind of stuff tend to follow a power law. So a 10% increase in effort or talent can result in a several fold increase in wealth - especially when the effects of compounding interest are considered.

This is most apparent in sports or the arts. Being just a little bit better at baseball can be the difference between a million dollar contract and being stuck in the minor leagues.

Of course the question of whether we should want success to follow a power law is a different matter. As is the role of luck. Going back to the sports example, being born at the right time of year can be a huge, permanent advantage[1].

[1] https://medium.com/@connorbaldwin28/why-athletes-tend-to-be-...