It's interesting to see how long ago the Matthew Effect (aka Cumulative Advantage) has been noticed.

This sociological phenomenon was named after a verse in the bible: For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

-Matthew 25:29, New Revised Standard Version.

Nassim Taleb also talks about cumulative advantage in his book Black Swan.