I take it you don't read any articles on Medium that have to do with race or social justice? People acknowledge their different types of privilege left and right.

I see this often enough in person, too, especially if it's probed for.

For instance, I'm perfectly happy to admit that I had a variety of advantages compared to a substantial majority of people on the planet. It's part of the story. The whole story of any person is complicated, though.

If we don't want to grapple with the full complexity of the interplay between situation and motivation, however, the "I worked hard" simplification is far better than the "I was lucky" simplification because it is actionable and empowering.

It's fine to recognize when one has had advantages--for instance, being born in the United States rather than Yemen--and use that to inform the degree to which one should feel impelled to contribute back to society and to provide advantages for others who might not otherwise get them.

But effort counts for a lot, especially if it is judiciously applied. It's not the only thing that counts, but it matters hugely, and unlike how tall one is, it is to a very large degree under one's own control. It is, therefore, reasonable to take pride in it.

Indeed, my experience is far more the opposite: it is those people who fail because of their laziness and inability to make themselves do things outside of their comfort zone who most fervently believe that meritocracy is a myth. I think they need to believe this. It would cause a painful rift in their sense of self to admit otherwise.