To skycrook: There are ZERO negative consequences to giving your all. Absolutely ZERO. You can try hard no matter your circumstances. It is a false premise that systemic "inequity" (which is the abhorrent quest for equality of outcome rather than of opportunity) is holding people down. One of the most damaging things you can do to someone is tell them not to bother because there's no hope for them. That's exactly what this quote, and your sentiment, suggest we should do. You can choose not to try, let alone give your best, in your life, but I would highly recommend you not poison others with this philosophy. And again, as stated in my first quote, you must find it awfully difficult to succeed at anything when you've already given yourself an excuse as to why it's useless to try at all.

This is absolutely true for many in this world who are inherently placed in disadvantageous positions of society. "Trying hard" is something you may do only if you possess the means, the resources, to do so. Far too many people are deprived of these resources due to systemic inequity, while others are effortlessly awarded them upon existence. This is why, statistically, those who are born into privilege live on in privilege, while those who are not have significantly damaged life chances. Hard work may grant you courage, insight, and sometimes the ability to achieve your goals, but in many cases it is often met with fruitless disappointment. And don't dare discount this as "not working hard enough," when we know damn well "equality" is hardly an upheld principle in this country or world of ours. I commend this message for its nod to reality and brutal truth. More people should be aware.

I would imagine that you find it rather difficult to succeed in your life with this kind of philosophy. Hard work, indeed, will bring success. There is no negative consequence to working hard. I would suggest not telling other people that their position in life is limited. Not a useful, nor a true, message.