Why do Americans still believe in the rags-to-riches fairy tale?

There's an interesting book, The Millionaire Next Door by Stanley and Danko,
that gives a statistical profile of the average American millionaire, and looks
at how they made their moola. Their secret? Hard work, diligent saving, and
living below their means. Most of their kids don't know mom and pop are
capitalist pigs sucking the life out of the proletariat until the will is read.
Starting your own business is the most direct way to enter the world of Scrooge
McDuck. Owners of the following types of businesses are most likely to become
millionaires (the book has a complete listing): men's clothing store, mobile
home dealer, flooring contractor, roofing contractor, upholstery store,
painting contractor, bowling alley.... No college degree required. No
inherited wealth required. No esoteric skills required.


Chris Mark