[masraum]

I've got a buddy that came from a sheiße background. Lived in bad/horrible neighborhoods. Worthless parents that "sold Avon" and had the kids deliver it (was actually drugs, not cosmetics). Grew up fighting as a minority, drinking, doing drugs, and being someone that you'd never expect to make it. He's doing pretty well these days. He's smart, a hard worker, conscientious, and a good father that does everything that he can for his family, all of that despite his background.

I'm doing OK. I had a pretty good background, great parents, and a pretty good primary education. My parents sent me to college, but I had no idea what I wanted to do and quit before I finished. I floundered for a few years, but eventually figured out what I wanted to do and pursued it. I'm doing pretty well these days (in spite of myself). If I'd finished college, I can't guaranty that I'd be someplace better or happier than I am today.

One different decision (that may have seemed insignificant at the time) could make all of the difference in the world to where we all are today (better or worse).

I feel like I would have an equal chance of turning out similarly if I was a kid today vs 40 years ago.