We all know that being born into a wealthy family comes with advantages: it’s easier to go to university, you have more information, better networking opportunities... and you can take more risks because you have a safety net. That’s not the only thing that matters — luck and effort also play their part (you probably know people who climbed the social ladder) — but the influence of money is undeniable.
The chart below illustrates this with an extreme case: half of Nobel laureates are children of parents belonging to the richest 5% in their birth country. This is the conclusion of research that traced the social origins of hundreds of laureates.
Which parents’ professions are over-represented? Scientists, civil servants, engineers, teachers, doctors, and even entrepreneurs abound. And which country offers the most scientific opportunities for low-income families? According to the study, it’s the United States.
But the key insight of the graph is what’s missing: the children whose potential goes untapped. Talent is widely distributed, but opportunities are not. As the authors summarize, “there is a vast reservoir of untapped scientific talent in lower-income countries.”
Many children lack the education, encouragement, and support needed to reach their full potential. And this isn’t just unfair — it’s a loss for everyone. We’re missing out on innovation, growth, discovery, and ultimately, a better future.
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