How is it that people who don't work hard, party all the time, don't study yet still become comparatively more successful compared to those who do study and work hard?

Knowledge is a powerful thing, however their knowledge is a "less traditional" and less "honorable" one. Universities would have you to understand that the formal education is an end all and be all of the world. Its not. Communication, social and emotional IQ, rapport are the currency of the world. You may be a genius, however if you can never convince the right people that you're right or sell the idea to someone else.... Your idea is worthless and is worth as much as a piece of garbage.  There are 2 things wrong with your observation: 1. Confirmation bias: You believe that every one of those who you resent are successful. They aren't.. some are. Study the ones that are. 2. You don't understand the rules at play. A few things they have to their benefit: They know smart people, they know people with money, they know the demand of the market People trust them. People like them, they don't want to work for you if you're a hermit, shady/likely to run with their money, or even condescending. They know that they don't know everything. Compared to you, they have a head start on knowing this. Keep that attitude and you're going to have blind spots the size of Jupiter.

I don't think your observation is correct. The people who study and work hard are those who achieve greater success in their lives. Maybe what you are seeing is that people who party might make some connections that help them at first, but because they don't have the work ethic, they do not get very far. Plus, at the end of the day, if you work hard, you can have the satisfaction and pride in knowing that you did it. That you earned it. That you did not manipulate and use people to become successful. That is one of the best feelings in the world. Also, success is more than how much money you get to spend shopping.