[eastbound]

I was searching for what to answer people who attribute everything I’ve done to luck. There’s the classic “It’s strange because the more I work the more I’m lucky”, but that’s very condescending. Thank you for offering me a positive alternative. In a sense it makes me owe work to my society.

[yobbo]

I think it's more correct to attribute what you receive to luck, rather than what you give.

On the other hand, if you received nothing in return for your work, would you do it?

[eastbound]

Again, this is the filthy accusation that people have scammed their way.

You’ve written one reasoning-in-absurdum, now write the opposite side.

[yobbo]

No, it is not an accusation.

If you accept that the world is not "just" (just-world-fallacy), then you will also believe that rewards are indeterministic. It follows that rewards are attributed to luck, while effort and results are (by definition) not.

There is no accusation of dishonesty in this argument, and no need to feel accused of scamming.

(One point is that people who persist longer, receive more awards because the "area" under their luck-curve is larger. And people who have lots bad luck in the beginning get discouraged and stop trying ...)