The Sociology of Success

On the necessity of having both the steak, and the sizzle

Two shoemakers — Shoemaker A and Shoemaker B — opened up shops in the same village on the same day.

They apprenticed under the same master cobbler at the same time and are both equally talented and productive. You can't tell the difference in quality between a shoe from Shoemaker A or Shoemaker B, and they turn around orders in the same amount of time.

Yet, after five years, Shoemaker A is killing it and expanding operations, while Shoemaker B had to close his shop down and start working for Shoemaker A.

What happened? Why would two equally talented and productive craftsmen have two very different outcomes?

You've likely encountered similar scenarios in your own life.

If you're a writer, you may have shaken your fist in frustration while watching equally talented (or even less talented) writers get book deals and attention while you labor in obscurity.

If you work at a large company, you've probably been passed over for promotions in favor of equally talented (or sometimes less talented) co-workers.

What gives?

Gustave Ichheiser and The Sociology of Success

An obscure but influential Polish-Austrian sociologist wrote a paper explaining what gives nearly 100 years ago. His life story, ironically, serves as an example of the very concept he described.