Why did Friedman say, "When the world goes flat, you better hope your parents are diligent, not rich"?

Okay, let's chat about Thomas Friedman's very insightful quote. Breaking it down, it's actually quite straightforward to understand.

What does this quote really mean?

Simply put, the core idea Friedman wants to convey is: In the era of globalization, the "software" (such as diligence, studiousness, resilience) you inherit from your parents is more important than the "hardware" (like money, property) you might inherit.

Why is that? This understanding springs from his famous concept: the "World is Flat."

First, what is "The World is Flat"?

Don't get the wrong idea – Friedman isn't saying the Earth has literally become flat. He uses this metaphor to describe the arrival of a new era.

The past world was "uneven": Imagine a world with many mountains and valleys. If you were born on a "mountain" (say, into a wealthy family in a developed country), your starting point was very high – you had broad horizons and abundant resources. But if you were born in a "valley" (like an ordinary family in a developing country), climbing out was incredibly difficult, blocked by various barriers like geography, lack of information, or poor education. In this world, "rich parents" gave you a massive, nearly decisive advantage.
The current world is "being flattened": With the proliferation of the internet, fiber optic cables, convenient logistics, and collaboration software, the barriers between those "mountains" and "valleys" are being dismantled.
- A programmer in India can work for a Silicon Valley company in the U.S. via the internet.
- A designer in China can receive orders from Europe in their small studio.
- You can find free online courses from top universities to learn virtually anything.

On this "flat" playing field, geography, nationality, and even family background are no longer insurmountable obstacles. Competition is no longer just against your neighbor; it's against everyone in the world who wants to do the same job.

Why do "diligent parents" matter more than "rich parents"?

Given the backdrop of this "flattening" world, let's reconsider the role of parents.

1. What can "rich parents" give?

They can give you money, connections, a comfortable upbringing. That's certainly valuable; it's like buying you expensive gear for life's race. In the older, "uneven" world, this gear could let you easily outpace many competitors.

But in a flat world, the advantage of this gear is diminishing.

Your competition has changed: Your rivals are no longer just well-equipped locals. They could be someone thousands of miles away with minimal gear but unlimited stamina and fierce determination – a "barefoot runner." They might be hungrier, more driven, and smarter than you.
Money doesn't buy core competitive edge: Wealth frees you from daily worries, but it can't learn new skills for you, generate creative ideas for you, or pull all-nighters to finish a project for you. When an engineer in Bangalore delivers a better product for a third of your salary, the market is ruthless; it won't choose you simply because your father is wealthy.

2. What can "diligent parents" give?

They may not leave you a fortune, but through their words and actions, they can instill something far more valuable deep within you:

A strong work ethic: Teaching you that value comes from your own hard work.
A habit of lifelong learning: Equipping you to continuously update your knowledge and avoid obsolescence.
Resilience and perseverance: Enabling you to withstand intense global competition and setbacks, and not give up easily.
Intense curiosity and drive: Propelling you to constantly explore and create, rather than resting on your laurels.

These qualities are like installing a perpetual motion machine inside you. In a flat world, everyone runs on the same starting line. The race is no longer about who has the best initial equipment, but who has the stronger engine and greater endurance. The qualities learned from diligent parents are your most powerful engine.

To sum up

So, Friedman's quote is essentially a well-meaning reminder:

Amidst the wave of global competition, old privileges based on geography and birth are becoming obsolete. Relying solely on the "protective umbrella" provided by parental wealth is unreliable because that umbrella doesn't shield you from competitors on the other side of the world. Conversely, the diligence, discipline, and habit of continuous learning instilled by your parents are your true assets for gaining a foothold and excelling in this flat world. They empower you to make your own way and secure your place, no matter where you start.