If You Are So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich?

I used to hear this question all the time? In fact I used to believe in it. It’s something almost every young hot blooded male wonders because that is their goal. Reading that Ayn Rand libertarian garbage and then believing you are the exception. Thinking that money and wealth is everything because that’s all you really understand. It’s easy to measure. 

Then you grow up and you realize it’s easily the dumbest question and worst view around. Don’t get me wrong, money is damn important, especially in our capitalist world. It gives you influence, leverage, freedom and power to help and impact others. I’d rather have it than not. 

But the reality is health, family relationships and friendships are far more important. Stuff most of us learn the hard way after losing some of these. 

Also the question itself is stupid. Most of the smartest people are the poorest ones. Look at academics or doctors, who are far off the charts IQ wise. But most of them are far from rich. 

In fact what drives a lot of wealth is choosing the right industry & place, having a good attitude, being willing to grind and work hard for long periods of time. That and a little bit of luck. I can tell you this from a 26+ year business career interacting with hundreds of self-made multimillionaires and centimillionaires, even a few billionaires. 

Business is common sense. That and a willingness to take risks, and the courage to bet on themselves. And focus on learning, the more you learn, the more you earn. That’s pretty much it.