What if knowing something profoundly true meant confronting uncomfortable realities? Would you share it anyway – not to harm, but to illuminate how things really are?
In this article, I explore how social hierarchies shape workplace environments and influence the lives of millions. The world operates in a hierarchical structure, with an elite few controlling the levers of power while the rest keep the machinery running. Understanding this dynamic is crucial if we want to navigate it effectively.
Social Hierarchies and the Workforce
Society is built on layers. At the top are the elites – politicians, CEOs, and influential figures – who shape policies, industries, and economies. At the bottom are those in roles that, while requiring little technical skill, are indispensable for the system to function.
Why do so many stay in jobs that seem to limit personal growth? One key reason is the social connections formed within these environments. Many people don’t choose low-skill jobs because they lack ambition or education; life circumstances often leave them with no alternative. I’ve met countless individuals with university degrees – even master’s degrees – working jobs that could be learned in a matter of weeks.
The question isn’t about capability; it’s about opportunity and the structure of the system itself.
The Illusion of Unlimited Choice
We are raised to believe in freedom and equality, with the promise that we can become anything we want if we work hard enough. But there’s an overlooked truth: freedom is tied to economics.
Your freedom to choose diminishes the moment you run out of money. While governments may provide safety nets, they don’t eliminate economic dependence. For most, work isn’t a pursuit of passion but a means of survival.
The Hidden Agenda of Education
Public education is often viewed as a tool for enlightenment and equality. Yet, its origins reveal a different story. Education only became widely accessible between the 19th and 20th centuries, driven not by altruism but by economic growth.
In 1820s America, public schools emerged to prepare boys for the workforce, particularly in skilled trades and commerce. Industry leaders recognised that a more educated workforce would benefit the economy – and their businesses. Schools taught patriotism and practical skills, not independent thinking. This ethos persists today.
Today, universities churn out thousands of graduates annually, many expecting high-paying roles. Yet, the system is designed to place only a fraction into elite positions:
- 1–5% become high-level executives.
- 5–15% occupy middle-management roles.
- 15–25% fill low-level management positions.
- The remaining 55–65% take jobs requiring little formal training.
This isn’t due to individual failure but a system designed to maintain economic order.
Why People Stay
For many, work isn’t about climbing the ladder – it’s about stability, social connections, and belonging. Life circumstances often leave people with few choices, and the environment or camaraderie often outweighs ambition.
Managers play a critical role in shaping this environment. Human resources departments understand that retention relies less on job tasks and more on the relationships employees build – with each other and their managers. As the saying goes, “People don’t leave companies; they leave managers.” A supportive manager can create a sense of belonging and purpose, even in a job with limited growth opportunities, while a poor one can erode trust and drive people to leave.
But here’s the hard truth: relying on a manager – or anyone else – to define your experience or opportunities keeps you trapped in the system. To truly take control of your future, you need to step beyond what managers, HR, or even the company can offer. That’s where learning to think like a capitalist comes in.
Think Like a Capitalist
To break free from constraints, you must learn to think (and act) like a capitalist. Success doesn’t come from waiting for opportunities – it comes from creating them. Ownership, enterprise, and self-reliance are key.
Understanding the reality of social hierarchies isn’t about discouragement but empowerment. By recognising the system’s influence, you can make deliberate choices about your path. These structures don’t need to be dismantled, but you can learn to navigate them.
Children in private schools are taught about leadership, investments, and building businesses. In contrast, public schools focus on security and traditional jobs. One system fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, while the other creates employees.
But here’s another hard truth: no one owes you anything. Entitlement is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. For the rest of us, waiting for a handout is a trap. Instead, take responsibility for your future.
Study entrepreneurs who built empires from nothing. Learn how they think, make decisions, and take calculated risks. Over time, you’ll see opportunities instead of obstacles and think like a creator rather than a follower.
The Path to Self-Reliance
Schools are designed to train employees, but life isn’t about working for someone else forever. To thrive, embrace self-reliance. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “Self-reliance is the key to unlocking your true potential.”
Think of yourself as an enterprise. Build skills that create value and solve problems. The sooner you take control of your economic future, the sooner you’ll realise your true potential.
True freedom begins when you create your own opportunities. The question is: what will you do with this knowledge? Your answer will define your place in the hierarchy.
Books I Recommend
If you enjoyed this content, here are some books I highly recommend for deeper insights. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support my work in providing quality recommendations. Links lead to the audiobook versions, but other formats are available on the same page.
