According to Forbes 2/3's of the world's 1,011 billionaires created their own fortunes. Some overcame personal misfortune and sometimes tragedy. An article with images provides a glimpse of 10 inspirational stories.
-Oracle’s Larry Ellison was adopted and raised by his aunt, and then dropped out of college when his adoptive mother died. He is now worth $28 billion.
-Apple's Steve Jobs, a San Francisco native was adopted by a working-class couple. He dropped out of college when he couldn’t afford tuition but continued auditing classes and started the company in a garage in 1976. Now with iPod, iTunes, and iPad his company continues to experience amazing growth. - $5.5 billion
- Acrobat showman Guy Laliberte started as a stilt-walking, fire-eating street performer. He founded Cirque du Soleil in 1984 with exhibitionist pals and hit it big when casino mogul Steve Wynn brought act to Las Vegas in 1991. Since then has expanded shows to include themed-versions featuring The Beatles and Elvis and next up is Michael Jackson. - $2.5 billion
-Writing wizardry single mother J. K. Rowling lived on welfare in Edinburgh, Scotland. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published in 1997 and quickly became a bestseller and the first of a seven-book series that captivated children and adults worldwide. The film series began in 2001 and the six so far of the magical movies have grossed more than $5 billion. -$1 billion
- Born to a single teen mother, Oprah Winfrey grew up on grandmother’s farm in Mississippi, and then moved to Wisconsin where she was a victim of sexual abuse. Her talk show debuted in 1986, now a haven for women worldwide. Guests range from celebrities, to politicians to victims of abuse. Her expanded empire now includes broadcasts in 145 countries, O magazine, esteemed book club and "favorite things" lists. Daytime talk queen is moving her show to a night slot on new Oprah Winfrey Network cable channel. - $2.4 billion
Rags to riches stories are always fascinating.
It also encourages one to think about how much is enough?
Photos: Guy Laliberte, J. K. Rowling
