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About this quote

What does it mean?
Self-reliance is possible but rare, akin to a magic trick.
In plain terms
Pulling yourself up is like magic, it rarely happens.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge systemic barriers to self-reliance.

Where it applies

  • economic policy
  • personal advice
  • criticism

Putting it to work

  • critique self-help narratives

Questions to consider

  • Who has the opportunity to be self-reliant?
  • Is self-reliance a myth?

Another view

It oversimplifies complex economic issues.

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