To remain on topic, the article I think was asserting that much of our Internet experience is due to people who are Jewish.
I would dispute some of that since I think that someone else would have stepped forward (a computer maker and various digital merchants -- someone's going to fill the vacuum).
But I do think that if you look at the big picture that jewish people tend to be more materially successful for the reasons I outlined in response #28.
As well off as I am today, I can imagine how much quicker and easier it would have been if I had had family or clan-like connections or even business partners. You can skip a lot of steps if you have a support network to rely upon.
Having been to my share of Entrepreneur banquets and what not, the "sold his first business at 21 for X million" usually is another way of saying "Dad helped". Meanwhile, when I was 21, the first major product of my start-up made little money for us because the publisher didn't pay royalties. Unlike the connected 21 year old, I didn't even have enough money to hire a lawyer to collect the $500k or so I was owed let alone have a network of business veterans to negotiate and finalize a multi-million dollar acquisition.
By contrast, someone whose parents or friends or fellow members of a particular creed can provide capital, expertise, introductions, and experience to young entrepreneurs. This is particularly true of those who seek their fortunes in capital markets (Internet retailers of various sorts).
That doesn't take anything away from the successful individuals and their achievements. Nor does it take away anything from the Jewish culture that values material success (compared to Christian culture which is often hostile to the concept of people working for material wealth -- oh they'll lavish praise on athletes and then criticize capitalists).
But the reality is, IMO, Jewish success is overwhelmingly due to the advantages of clan. I have seen it many times -- all things being equal -- or not even completley equal -- jewish decision makers choosing jewish vendors or partners over non-jewish. No different than a gigantic fraternity, etc. People are like that. I give graduates of Western Michigan University an extra look when their resume pops onto my desk simply because I went there. It's human nature.
And the secondary reason for Jewish success is a culture of valuing material success. I know of one Jewish CEO in the skinning community whose MySpace page has pictures of their home that appear to have been taken by a professional photographer. He takes pride in his material achievements. By contrast, I don't put up pictures of my house (other than my lake cottage because it's new) because I fear the negative perception it will generate. And I'm more capitalistic than most people. So let's face it, when we spit or tut-tut the concept of material success, you lesson the incentive to do the hard work to make it happen. Advantage: Judaism.
Shame on petty Christian culture who tries to hide their envy and jealousy behind faux-piusness. But also shame on all clans and creeds and groups that discriminate based on a shared creed, religion, culture. Merit should be the guide.
I can agree with that....seen it many times in the property/building game. I once had a work experience student [Architecture] ....taught him all sorts of basic tenets of design/problem-solving, but unlike me he had a close-knit family [Immigrant Italian] that had all sorts of doors/opportunities available to him that I was devoid....he can probably buy and sell me 20 times over now, as a successful Architect. My family had no such connection 'in the game' so my professional experience was more down to long-haul reputation.
Much of 'success' is about being in the right place at the right time...but having a supportive 'clan' will ground you awfully well...