While our backgrounds play a big role in who we become, research has found that things as personality and intelligence are the better predictors of success in life. Or simply having rich parents, of course.

However, the price of education in many countries is so steep, though, that many people don’t have the opportunity to have a fair shot in life. Therefore, the “American dream” is often merely an illusion.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/media-spotlight/201508/what-does-it-take-succeed-in-life