Success Rate of Elite Education?

An Era Where Parental Wealth Equals a Child’s Ability

On November 16, 2023, as soon as the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) ended, students rushed out of the test centers to check their scores. CSAT results determine acceptance in early admissions and serve as a second chance for students who were disadvantaged in the high school grading system. As the influence of CSAT scores continues to grow, the financial background of students at prestigious universities has become a major topic of discussion. Statistics show that students at elite universities tend to come from wealthier families. More and more young people are adopting the perception that the formula for success is:

Effort × Talent + Residential Area × Parental Wealth + Passion + Experience = Ability

This widespread belief that financial privilege is essential for success raises an important question: Did monarchs—who received the most elite education in history—truly lead successful lives?

Joseon Dynasty Kings (1st to 27th) – Source: Naver Images

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Successful Kings of the Joseon Dynasty: 5 out of 27 – 18% Success Rate

The royal family of Joseon, established by King Taejo Yi Seong-gye after overthrowing the Goryeo Dynasty, produced 27 kings until the nation fell under Japanese colonial rule. Rooted in Confucian ideals, Joseon placed great importance on educating its future rulers. Crown princes received the best education available, guided by the finest scholars and a meticulously structured curriculum. In theory, this system should have produced the most capable kings. However, historical records in the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty suggest otherwise.

 

Despite their elite upbringing, many kings failed to meet expectations. Apart from Sejong, Munjong, Seongjong, Yeongjo, and Jeongjo, most Joseon kings struggled to prove their competence. The kingdom lasted for over 600 years, yet the reigns of its truly outstanding rulers did not even span 150 years. With only an 18% success rate in producing great kings, Joseon’s elite education system appeared flawed. Some might argue that external factors—such as political interference from aristocratic factions or violent power struggles—prevented the royal family from consistently producing competent rulers. However, one undeniable truth remains: receiving the best education under parental support does not automatically create great leaders.

Qing Dynasty Emperors (1st to 12th) – Source: National Palace Museum

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Great Emperors of the Qing Dynasty: 3 out of 12 – 25% Success Rate

The Qing Dynasty, founded by the Manchus from northern Manchuria after toppling the Ming Dynasty, ruled over China with strict discipline. To prepare future emperors, the Qing royal family implemented an intensive education system. Every morning at 5 AM, the crown prince would wake up, bathe, and dedicate himself to academic studies. As a dominant power in East Asia, the Qing Dynasty appointed the best scholars as tutors to ensure its rulers acquired the necessary knowledge and skills. Compared to Joseon’s royal education, the Qing system was far more extensive and rigorous.

 

To maintain their nomadic warrior heritage, Qing princes engaged in rigorous physical training while also studying Confucian philosophy to govern their Han Chinese subjects. Additionally, they were required to master multiple languages, including their native Manchu and Chinese. Despite this comprehensive education, the Qing Dynasty, which lasted 267 years and had 12 emperors, produced only three truly remarkable rulers: Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. Their combined reign of 130 years accounted for nearly half of the Qing Dynasty's history, marking its golden age. However, after Qianlong, later emperors failed to match their predecessors' achievements.

 

With a 25% success rate, even the Qing Dynasty—regarded by Joseon as a superior power—did not achieve much better results in producing exceptional rulers. While various factors influenced an emperor’s reign, it is evident that elite education alone did not guarantee great leadership.

 

Parental wealth has influenced a child's success throughout history.
However, receiving the best education does not necessarily guarantee
the emergenceof the greatest talents.

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