Correction: In Super Mario Bros., the 2D successors, and Super Mario 3D Land/World, Mario does indeed become Super Mario when he picks up a Super Mushroom. "Super Mario" is the name of his larger form.
I didn't know this! I'll issue a correction
Somewhat interestingly, "Mario Bros." now refers to the last name of the pair of plumber brothers, making their full names "Mario Mario" and "Luigi Mario" respectively. This wasn't originally the intent of the creators, but it's been slowly retconned over the history of the franchise.
I enjoyed your thoughts about non linear success and I think there is a sense in which the principle holds.
but in both life and Balatro experientially, most win conditions are reached linearly, and the really crazy combos just let you explore endless mode for a couple more rounds.
To your point being the owner of a modest business, or just being a good employee makes you ‘win’. But if you want to hit 10x win or 100x win, you need some ridiculous non linear scaling.
yeah agreed, I think there are plenty of ways to live a successful and fulfilling 'linear' life