I'm not discounting the power of an individual to defy the odds and achieve great success. But it would be unfair to blame them for failing. The hindrances and obstacles toward success are insurmountable, and these are usually systematic and structural. Rather than putting all the blame to the individual, it's the leaders, the state, institutions, the socio-economic structure, and so on should that should be held accountable.
In the first place, are the individuals actually given a choice? Or is the democratic process merely giving them evil and lesser evil as options?
This system is composed by people like us, who somehow managed to accumulate power, using their skills and cognitive abilities to manipulate and take advantage from average citizens of society.
They are constantly trying to make us to believe we have no choices, besides playing their game. The fact you are persuaded to always choose the lesser evil is an evidence of that. However, you don't have to. You always have the possibility and potential to find gaps on this system imposed to you in order to thrive and develop yourself, despite obstacles and sabotages.
The difficult level involved in not playing the system's game may be high, but it's not impossible, and I guess the purpose of life is to not give up to them. Key point I've found is to be less dependant as possible on mainstream groups, while becoming more autonomous and self-reliable on yourself.