No, they made money because they had an idea, invested in it, risked their money to make it work, and it worked. The people who worked for them didn't have to work for them, they can work for whomever they want. That is the problem with some people. If people work hard, built something up, oh well - they did it with others helping them. True, but they took the risk.
As for the story, good point. I am always amazed at when people ask why dont you have a more expensive car, or the latest gizmo. Why? I enjoy the idea that I accumulate wealth a little at a time, and while others struggle paycheck to paycheck, I understand the simple notion that you dont spend more than you make. I dont need $800 hubcaps, or a $3,000 stereo system. (Although the camera I have with the lens with about that much)...
Most people in the $1 million+ wealth range, you wouldnt even know about. They look and are quite normal.
I'll agree with you in general about on this, in general I think it's the truest class distinction we have in our society.
I met a guy one day, who looked like a white version of cleveland from family guy, wore a cheap shitty homemade sweater, drove a shitty old f150(a theme perhaps), talked in a mopey betaish tone. Turns out he was a top grad at mit, and was worth 10 mil.
However this notion that all small business owners earn what they get is total total bs. First off once you get some amount of money it's far easier to grow your money which is kinda a cheat. More importantly this risk you mention is the real scheme. So many small business's are essentially cornered markets.
What I mean is six guys get into debt and whoever is willing to get the most indebt will get the market, while the other 5 go broke. this is far more common than most are willing to realize, and it is part of the debt problem we face.
Oh sweet Irony!
YO fuck nuts, if you want to make up a bullshit reason, why we should bother with such an archaic non relevant grammar rule I'll be more than happy to tear it apart. But until then fuck off, this copy cat behaviour of people doing things because they think there suppose to is pathetic.