The Pareto Principle

The Biden family is part of the EA family. I was, therefore, able to invite Senator Biden to have a debate with Senator Arlen Specter, a friend of Joe Biden, to represent the Republican side of an issue. The debate was in our school chapel and the topic was political morality and the failure of both parties to be able to work in more harmony on behalf of the American people. They both agreed on the problem and the solution. It still was a great moment of articulating the problem and solution for those gathered to hear these two seasoned politicians.

Both said that, “Nobody goes out to dinner together anymore In Washington.” The social norm had changed. Even years ago there was great difficulty dealing with people across the aisle. It is very difficult to work with people when you are only seeing one another in a context of partisan politics. It seems that everything is seen in an opposite way when it is stated by either party. If the sun is out and this was noticed by the Democratic Party, the Republican Party would say it is raining. No matter what the issue, both parties gear up for a fight. That perspective needs to change if issues such as social justice and the Black Lives Matter Movement have a chance of leveling the playing field. The Pennsylvania Republican Legislators are still sitting on the floor of the State Senate without wearing any masks. No wonder the American people are confused about the issue of mask wearing during the Pandemic.

There is an answer. I was reminded of it in an article written by George Will in the December 21, 2020 Opinion Page of the Inquirer. It is precisely what Biden and Specter were addressing some years ago in the EA chapel.

Will writes, “Senator Lamar Alexander says 15 or 20 Senators must set the tone for more collegial behavior within the Senate’s permission rules. Note the number 20, and the Pareto principle are germane to the Senate. The Italian polymath – economist, sociologist, engineer, political scientist, and philosopher – Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) showed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of Italians. Soon the 80/20 ratio was being discerned here and there: 20% of patients use 80% of healthcare resources; 20% of the criminals commit 80% of the crimes; 20% of the beer drinkers drink 80% of the beer. Probably 20% of the legislators account for 80% of the legislature’s accomplishments. The Pareto principle is also called the “law of the vital few.”

The vital few is what is needed to shape things in Congress and the House. I have been mistaken by an observation that I use to state. I would say that God so loved the world that he didn’t send a committee. Perhaps I need to modify my thinking as the first thing that Jesus does before starting his earthly ministry is to assemble 12 disciples who changed the world more than Washington politicos have. They were the vital few.

The Pareto Principle is also applied to business as you get 20% from 80% of your clients. It is also applied by psychologists who believe that in a healthy relationship you only get 80% of what you want. The other 20% you need to provide for yourself.