The problem is that policies that ignore character and behavior have produced disappointing results. Social research over the last decade or so has reinforced the point that would have been self-evident in any other era — that if you can’t help people become more resilient, conscientious or prudent, then all the cash transfers in the world will not produce permanent benefits.
On a far less eloquent level I have been saying the same thing. That is that throwing money at social problems without dealing with the core issues is a waste of money. It is looking at symptoms and not the problem. My words have been personal responsibility and life choices. Without the former and executing the latter poorly dooms people to mediocrity or worse and surely inhibits individual progress in life. Brooks goes beyond that and discusses ways to change human behavior and outlook.
Both liberals and conservatives will benefit from this perspective … and we would stop wasting a great deal of money as an added benefit. Our current obsession with inequality focuses on bringing those who succeed down (higher taxes and more wealth transfer), while providing excuses and scapegoats for those who achieve far less. You can close the inequality gap more successfully and most importantly on a far more permanent basis, but lifting others up … and there is plenty of money to do that already in the system.
I urge you to read the full Brooks op-ed.
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