The new Captain America, Anthony Mackie, recently shared his thoughts on success during an interview on The Pivot Podcast while in New Orleans. Mackie expressed his belief that society is misleading children by telling them that hard work alone guarantees success, arguing instead that success is given, not earned.
Mackie, known for his versatility in Hollywood—from independent films and Broadway performances to starring in blockbuster franchises—didn’t hold back when discussing the illusion of meritocracy.
“We tell our kids that if they do right, make good grades, go to the programs, they will become successful,” Mackie shares. “If you work hard enough, your work will be paid off. And that’s not true. Success is given, it’s not earned.”
“We’re lying to our kids…success is given, it’s not earned.” @AnthonyMackie
— Pivot Podcast (@thepivot) March 11, 2025
Powerful words and thoughts exchanged in this convo!
Anthony Mackie speaks from the heart sharing how all our lives we preach to our youth what we were told- if you work hard, make good grades, be in… pic.twitter.com/nIK77OFT2x
According to Mackie, talent and hard work are only one part of the equation. The deciding factor in who makes it and who doesn’t is often who gets chosen by the right people at the right time.
“You can be the most brilliant, but if one person don’t tap you…” Mackie shares.
Mackie says that athletes, actors, and professionals across industries often find themselves surrounded by others who are just as, if not more, talented. However, opportunity is not distributed evenly—someone in a position of power decides who gets the chance to succeed, leaving countless others behind.
“Each one of y’all, there were people who could hit harder, who could catch better, who could run faster. But somebody said, ‘You. You’re the one.’ And the other 50 behind you fell off.”
Check out the full conversation.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
