The word ‘self-made’ is a misnomer. I don’t think self-made billionaires (or any self-made success stories for that matter) exist. I don’t think anyone ever makes it on their own. It can’t be possible.
While you go through your grind, there must be many other people around you who make sacrifices, and offer support, to get you to where you want to go. By virtue of this alone, no one could ever be ‘self-made.’
But don’t take my word for it.
I am not a self-made man.
Every time I give a speech at a business conference, or speak to college students, or do a Reddit AMA, someone says it.
“Governor/Governator/Arnold/Arnie/Schwarzie/Schnitzel (depending on where I am), as a self-made man, what’s your blueprint for success?”
They’re always shocked when I thank them for the compliment but say, “I am not a self-made man. I got a lot of help.”
That’s Arnold Schwarzenegger. He goes on to explain the why and the how, in this article.
I wouldn’t call Kylie Jenner, or anyone else, ‘self-made’ for this reason.
This shouldn’t disqualify her or anyone else born into wealth from being recognized for what they’ve achieved. The circumstances of one’s birth are out of one’s control.
She has clearly used her family’s wealth and influence to build an empire and carve out an identity of her own. Compared to most trust fund babies who squander their parents’ money I think what she has achieved is rather admirable.
So let us please divorce these two ideas altogether: the illusion of being a self-made whatever and making the best out of one’s circumstances, and give credit where credit is due.
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