Telling kids they can do anything is a gigantic lie and is pretty much socially required at this juncture. Setting aside the dishonesty, that sets them up for self-loathing when they actually make normal headway for someone starting in whatever social class.

The advertising blasting into our brains throughout the day is also a major contender. Past a certain age we all know it’s lies, but damn, it’s still lies, and sometimes it manages to subtly influence you anyway.