The Paradoxes of Self-Improvement in a Capitalist Society

By Jose Franco

In the labyrinth of life, we often find ourselves striving for improvement, believing we're proficient in areas where we might actually lack. My book, "How To Get Better At Things You Don't Think You're Bad At By 2020," aims to shed light on this very paradox. It is an exploration of self-awareness, societal influences, and the often unseen barriers to personal growth. Drawing from Thomas Piketty's economic ideologies, the strategic intricacies of chess, the fallacies exposed by Monopoly, and Walter Scheidel's insights, we can unravel the complexities of our capitalist society and understand the importance of open-mindedness and self-reflection.
1. Acknowledging Our Blind Spots
In a society driven by competition and individualism, we are conditioned to overlook our shortcomings. Piketty’s critique of capital accumulation highlights how economic systems perpetuate inequality, much like how we perpetuate personal biases by refusing to acknowledge our flaws. By recognizing our blind spots, we open the door to genuine self-improvement.
2. The Game of Chess and Life’s Inequalities
Chess is often seen as a metaphor for life, yet it is fundamentally flawed in this role. Unlike chess, where all players start with the same pieces and opportunities, real life is fraught with disparities. The game of Monopoly has been used in studies to disprove the just world fallacy, demonstrating how initial advantages can compound over time, leading to entrenched inequality. This parallels the disparities in our own lives and the importance of recognizing the unequal starting points of others.
3. The Illusion of Meritocracy
Walter Scheidel’s work on the history of inequality underscores the persistence of economic and social disparities. In a capitalist society, the notion of meritocracy is often an illusion. Our successes and failures are not solely the result of our efforts but are influenced by a multitude of factors beyond our control. This understanding should foster empathy towards others, regardless of their political affiliations.
4. The Human Side of Political Divides
In 2024, the political landscape remains deeply polarized. Yet, beneath the surface, both Biden supporters and Trump supporters grapple with similar challenges: providing for their families, finding meaning in their work, and navigating the pressures of a capitalist society. Fathers, in particular, face the paradox of wanting to support their families while often being constrained by systemic inequalities. Humanizing these struggles helps bridge the political divide and reminds us that our shared humanity transcends political allegiances.
5. The Wisdom of Disengagement
Investing too heavily in political externalities can lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness. Instead, focusing on what we can control—our actions, our attitudes, our personal growth—empowers us. This doesn’t mean disengaging from the political process, but rather approaching it with a balanced perspective, recognizing that change often starts from within.
Keeping Hearts and Minds Open
In a society where media coverage is often subjective and human fallibility is rampant, maintaining an open heart and mind is crucial. This requires a conscious effort to engage in constructive self-talk and to challenge our own biases. Here is a simple self-talk test to help identify whether your internal dialogue is constructive or counterproductive:

1. Self-Reflection: Are your thoughts helping you grow, or are they reinforcing negative patterns?
2. Empathy: Are you considering others' perspectives, especially those different from your own?
3. Actionable Steps: Are your thoughts motivating you to take positive actions, or are they paralyzing you with fear or doubt?
4. Realism: Are you balancing optimism with realism, acknowledging both your strengths and areas for improvement?

Conclusion
Rejections and failures are integral to growth. My journey of submitting over 100 op-ed articles without publication taught me the value of perseverance and self-reflection. By sharing these insights, I hope to inspire others to embrace their flaws, engage in constructive self-talk, and strive for continuous improvement. In doing so, we can navigate the paradoxes of our capitalist society with open hearts and minds, fostering a more empathetic and just world.
For more insights and reflections, you can find my most recent op-ed on LinkedIn or at the Washington DC Patch: Jose Franco Op-Ed.
Jose Franco is the author of "How To Get Better At Things You Don't Think You're Bad At By 2020," a collection of his most popular op-ed submissions on LinkedIn. He continues to submit weekly op-ed articles to various media outlets, advocating for open-heartedness and continuous self-improvement.