The two big advantages I had at birth were to have been born wise and to have been born in poverty.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Poverty was the greatest motivating factor in my life.
The interesting thing about me is that I was born poor, and I've lived rich and I've lived poor, and I know how to do both. People think rich is better. I don't know.
I thank fate for having made me born poor. Poverty taught me the true value of the gifts useful to life.
My entire childhood was steeped in poverty. For me, poverty, in a way, was the first inspiration of my life, a commitment to do something for the poor.
The thought grew strong in me that since I had gone to the trouble of being born, I might as well be useful in helping people live long and healthy lives. And this thought has always resided in the back of my mind.
Because I was poor I had one special advantage. When you are poor, and basic survival is your concern, you have no alternative but to be an entrepreneur. You must take action to survive just as you must take action to seize an opportunity.
When I was born, the economy wasn't in a great state; it was the Depression, and my father had to be quick to try and find work.
It was always easy for me. I was born very rich and lucky.
I was an only child who had every advantage, every blessing, absolutely.
My big advantage was to have my father accept me as first-generation.