Why Does Life Seem Unfair for Certain Individuals?

Life can be a challenging and often unfair journey for many individuals. A thousand different reasons contribute to the varying levels of hardship one may face from the moment they are born. No one chooses to be thrown into this world, yet we are unceremoniously dumped into it as we are. Biological, emotional, and physical impairments are just some of the adversities that one might encounter.

Among the myriad reasons life can be tough are physical impairments. Some individuals are born with handicapping conditions, such as genetic defects, physical deformities, or emotional instability. Additionally, genetics can play a significant role; individuals may be born with genetically weak physical and mental characteristics that set them back from the start.

Physical and Emotional Advantages

Even among those who are seemingly free of genetic defects, there are inherent disadvantages. A boy born smaller than his peers might experience lifelong confidence issues, regardless of how minor the height difference may be (e.g., reaching only 5′6″ to 5′8″). Such physical attributes can affect income figures and job prospects, with these men rarely securing plum jobs or making high salaries in their careers.

For girls, beauty can act as a significant differentiator, often favoring attractive women in their career advancement and financial success. Plain girls may struggle more to achieve the same level of success as their more attractive counterparts. Beauty, in this scenario, often trumps all other factors.

Social and Economic Influences

Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in shaping one's life trajectory. Children born into low-income families often do not receive the same opportunities as those born to well-off parents with higher education levels. These children may struggle to access resources, education, and support that can help them thrive.

The impact of one's race, nationality, or language can also be critical. Being born into a disadvantaged background can place significant barriers in one's path. Discrimination and structural inequalities contribute to these challenges, making the pursuit of success even more difficult.

Intelligence and Giftedness

Biological factors such as IQ are not always within an individual's control. Some may be born with below-average IQs, which can undoubtedly hinder their ability to excel in certain areas. For those with average IQs, advantage can be further amplified when comparing them to gifted children. These children often receive more attention and resources, giving them a leg up in their academic and personal lives.

Factors beyond Control

Life can be a crapshoot, with outcomes determined by a complex mix of factors:

Genetics: Some individuals are naturally more sensitive, introspective, and thoughtful, leading to more personal angst and ennui throughout their lives. Environment: The quality of familial and environmental support can vary widely, often providing a stable or unstable foundation for individuals to build their lives. Choices: Decisions, often made without full awareness, can significantly impact personal outcomes, leading to suffering and pain. Luck: Even with optimal circumstances, bad luck can strike in the form of unforeseen or uncontrollable events, leading to significant setbacks.

If one believes in karma or divine punishment, Luck can also be a significant factor, where everything can be on point but still, something terrible can happen that one could never have imagined or prevented.

Conclusion

Life can be seen as a series of encounters with varying challenges and obstacles. While some may possess innate advantages, others must navigate through a landscape shaped by genetics, environment, personal choices, and the whims of luck. Recognizing the interplay of these factors can help in understanding and perhaps even accepting the inherent unfairness in life, paving the way for resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.