Maggie's Farm

I think Bob Sykes is largely right. Attending an elite university gives one connections. One must have connections to succeed in life. Even the most talented, competent person needs connections to get their foot in the door. Without connections you will be left on the outside, looking in.

I didn't say that BD.

If a kid came to me today and asked me if he should pursue a degree from home online or attend a University, I would advise the latter because of the connections gained.

Connections are critical. Yes you can succeed in life without them, but it is much more difficult without them.

The prestige of the University is a connection, befriending faculty gains connections and getting to know the fellas gains connections.

Look, if you have two kids of equal intelligence and ability that graduate with economics degrees, and one graduates from Princeton and has Paul Krugman for a student adviser and the other graduates from Tumbleweed State with good ol' Dr. Phartwheat for an adviser, who is more likely to get hired by a high powered firm? Connections matter.

In my own case, I was only able to get started in farming in this area, thanks to a beer drinking friend in college. He knew the owner of the farm that I rented and vouched for me. He was my connection. No connection, no farm and my life would be profoundly different today.

I am a big believer in the adage, it is not what you know but who you know that is the route to success for most people.

Look at how it works at the top of Government. Did Gorelick get her job at Fannie because she was qualified? This type of stuff happens everywhere if you look hard enough.

Connections matter. A lot.