An Honest Look at Success

Dream big. Think positive. Hard work. Determination. Never give up no matter what. Is it really that simple? Behind the scenes of every major success story is an incredible stroke of luck. Often ignored and perhaps even deliberately untold, the phenomenal growth of the multi-million dollar self-help industry hinges on the idea that success is a matter of choice. In this provocative book, great achievers, from statesmen to sportsmen, authors to inventors, success came because they were...
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Dream big. Think positive. Hard work. Determination. Never give up no matter what. Is it really that simple? Behind the scenes of every major success story is an incredible stroke of luck. Often ignored and perhaps even deliberately untold, the phenomenal growth of the multi-million dollar self-help industry hinges on the idea that success is a matter of choice. In this provocative book, great achievers, from statesmen to sportsmen, authors to inventors, success came because they were either the right person at the right place at the right time, or they had the good fortune of crossing paths with individuals whose help changed their destinies. This book challenges the way you think about success as it contains the "missing pieces" of some of the most famous inspirational stories. While talent is a vital component, luck plays a pivotal role in the lives of many whom we perceive as great and extraordinary.In the Introduction, a persecuted sect gets a lucky break. One man's vision laid the foundation for it to become the world's largest religion. Chapter One: Head Start discusses why race, country of residence and parentage are crucial in determining who would become the next world champions.Chapter Two: Perfect Timing looks at a series of random events and its consequences. A volcanic eruption, the conquest of an obscure island, a new idea and an eloquent lawyer collectively paves the way for a commoner to become one of the world's most famous emperors. Chapter Three: Even Geniuses Need A Little Help revisits the famous stories of 3 exceptionally talented people and reminds us of the thin line that separates those who achieve extraordinary success from those who fail. A painter creates more than 2,000 works of art but successfully sells only one during his lifetime. A househusband writes screenplays for years as his wife supports the family. Rejected by 12 publishing houses, a single mother's typewritten manuscript is finally published on the recommendation of an 8-year old.Chapter Four: The Intervention tells of how by a twist of fate, children of poor peasants became some of the most powerful and influential people in one of history's largest empires. Chapter Five: To Survive is to Succeed looks at how the success of the Jewish people is a result of what their ancestors had to do to survive during the centuries in which they lived in oppression and insecurity. Chapter Six: The Chinese Phenomenon looks at how two distinct ethnic groups from different corners of the world with no historical or cultural connections uncannily share the same formula for success. An aspiring Mandarin who declared himself as the brother of Jesus Christ indirectly contributed to the economic dominance of the "Jews of the East" in South East Asia. It also explains why the success of the Chinese emigrants in Asia was not replicated in 19th century America.Chapter Seven: The Parable of the Seed argues that for many, academic performance, admission to top universities and career success have been determined almost at birth.