A Father’s Lesson: Perspective on Privilege and Gratitude

A note to young leaders. Lessons from my father.
In my late twenties, at a family dinner, I was feeling a little despondent and grumbled about some office politics that I was contending with.

My father giggled and said:

“Son, there are eight billion people on the planet.

If you live in Australia and you’re healthy and you are of above average IQ, you are already in the top 10% of the most fortunate people on earth.

And if you should also happen to have a family that’s healthy and happy, then you are in the top 1%.

If on top of all this, you have a university degree and a career you enjoy and a job that stretches you, then you are in the top 0.1%.

So, come tell me again, what exactly is troubling you?” Perspective is a wonderful thing.