Part 5/9:
This reexamination of wealth generation emphasizes that America remains a land of opportunity—perhaps even more so today than in the past. Over the last 25 years, the number of individuals worth over $10 million has more than doubled, accounting for inflation. A notable observation is that while some of these successful business owners inherited their ventures, a significant majority are self-made and likely did not come from privileged backgrounds or elite educational institutions. Many have bypassed traditional college pathways, building their fortunes in middle America rather than on the coasts.