The Matthew Principle

The Matthew Principle, derived from a biblical parable, suggests that those who already have advantages—such as wealth, knowledge, or success—tend to gain even more over time, while those without such advantages struggle to improve their situation. In the context of general knowledge, this means that individuals or groups familiar with certain subjects are more likely to acquire new knowledge and opportunities, while those who lack that initial exposure may find it harder to learn and progress. Essentially, it highlights the growing gap between the knowledgeable and the less knowledgeable, reinforcing existing disparities.