[Rudder]

I've made a bet that hard work, study and persistence should be able to vault me past mockery and wariness.

Really smart people learn a basic principle---Life can be unfair, no matter who you are.

[AZLiberty]

I've made a bet that hard work, study and persistence should be able to vault me past mockery and wariness.

No, in this country, making something -- a product or service -- that other people want to buy is the key to success. Hard work, study, and persistence doesn't help much if your hard work study, and persistence produces only pointless drivel.