I think there are two main reasons we hear these depressing statistics:
1. It validates most people's default decision to pursue a "normal" career path.
2. It increases the psychological barrier to entry in starting a business, so that people don't often attempt it if they're not highly determined.
Reason #1 is a strategy for coping with laziness or fear.
Reason #2 may be a good or bad thing. On one hand, the people most likely to succeed are those who have a high risk tolerance and are determined to make it despite the odds. On the other hand, anything we can do to further lower the stigma associated with business failure and encourage more people to start businesses is probably good for society.
1. It validates most people's default decision to pursue a "normal" career path.
2. It increases the psychological barrier to entry in starting a business, so that people don't often attempt it if they're not highly determined.
Reason #1 is a strategy for coping with laziness or fear.
Reason #2 may be a good or bad thing. On one hand, the people most likely to succeed are those who have a high risk tolerance and are determined to make it despite the odds. On the other hand, anything we can do to further lower the stigma associated with business failure and encourage more people to start businesses is probably good for society.