The Myth of the Self-Made Man
Brian Sankarsingh wonders about millionaires who talk about being "self-made"
TO OUR LOYAL READERS: Hi everyone, it’s Brian here. Before we dive into today’s article, I’d like to ask for a small favour. This year, we're aiming to grow our community of readers. We're proud to be in the top 1% of Substack publishers for consistent content — which means you can count on us for a steady stream of engaging, thought-provoking articles, all completely free.
We don’t charge for subscriptions, but if you enjoy what you read here, please consider sharing our Substack with a friend or colleague. It’s a simple way to support our work and help us reach more curious minds.
Thanks so much! Now, here’s today’s article
You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “I’m a self-made man.” It’s a line thrown around by politicians, CEOs, influencers—anyone who’s clawed their way to power and wants you to admire them for it. The subliminal message is always the same: If I did it, so can you.
It sounds empowering and inspirational. But it’s a lie. And not just a small one. It’s a carefully constructed myth used to keep you chasing something that doesn’t exist in the way they claim.
Let’s break this down.
People in power need you to believe they earned everything on their own. That they started from nothing, faced all the odds, and somehow came out on top without help. Why? Because if you believe it’s possible for anyone to do that, you’ll keep buying in. You’ll stay hopeful, obedient, hardworking—even when the odds are stacked against you. The myth serves a purpose. It hides the truth of how power really works. It distracts you from the systems that make real upward mobility so rare. Every so-called “self-made” man had help. Family money. Private schools. Social connections. Early investments. Safety nets when they failed. Even if someone did start with very little, they didn’t succeed in a vacuum. They had teachers. Mentors. Customers. Employees. Public infrastructure. Laws that worked in their favor. Often, they benefited from policies that disadvantaged others—especially those without wealth, connections, or the right skin color.
They don’t mention that part. Because it doesn’t sell the story. This myth doesn’t just boost egos—it fuels an entire system. You’re told that if you work hard enough, stay disciplined, and hustle 24/7, success will come. That belief keeps you grinding. It keeps you quiet. It makes you blame yourself when things don’t work out. The people who push this narrative aren’t trying to inspire you. They’re trying to distract you from the truth. That the game is rigged. That merit alone isn’t enough. That many doors are closed before you even reach them. Add to that the other barriers and intersectionalities that exist like you’re a Black person, a person of color, differently abled or a woman and those doors can be double and triple locked.
If hard work and grit were all it took, the richest people in the world would come from the poorest neighborhoods.
But that’s not what we see.
Instead, we see:
Generational wealth being passed down.
Private networks driving opportunity.
The same families, schools, and industries producing the same leaders.
It’s not a coincidence. It’s a structure. One that rewards those already inside and shuts out those on the margins. Men who seek control often work hard to make it seem like their success was purely individual. Why? Because if people saw how much support and privilege they had, the illusion would fall apart. They need you to think it’s all about personal effort. That way, when you struggle, you blame yourself. Not the system. Not the inequality. Not the lack of access. It’s not about motivating you—it’s about pacifying you.
You might look at someone who “made it” and wonder why you haven’t. You start thinking you’re not trying hard enough. Not smart enough. Not disciplined enough. But what if the problem isn’t you? What if the rules are different depending on where you start? One person’s ladder starts on the ground. Another person’s starts three floors up. They both climb, but only one gets credit for “making it.” That’s not a fair comparison. It’s a rigged race dressed up as equal opportunity.
Let’s be honest.
The term “self-made” rarely gets applied to people who actually beat the odds. When women, immigrants, or people of color rise up, they’re often called “lucky,” “tokens,” or “exceptions.” Their success gets questioned, not celebrated. They rarely get the same platform to tell their story. That tells you the phrase “self-made” isn’t really about effort. It’s about image. It’s a brand used by those who already hold the mic.
The lesson here is simple. Don’t let someone else’s narrative define your worth. You can work hard and still face barriers. You can do everything right and still fall short. That doesn’t mean you failed. It means the system is failing you. Instead of chasing someone else’s version of success, ask yourself:
What do I value?
What kind of life do I want?
Who benefits from me believing in the self-made myth?
If the answer is “not you,” it might be time to rethink the story.
Plain and simple, no one does it alone. Real progress—real power—comes from people supporting each other. Sharing knowledge. Building communities. Creating systems that don’t rely on false merit but real equity. You’re not weak for needing help. You’re human. And that’s where your strength is. The myth of the self-made man wants you to feel alone. That way, you don’t organize. You don’t question. You don’t push back. But once you stop buying in, you can start building something real—with others. That’s where change starts.
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a two-time award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
Thanks for reading Seeking Veritas by The Professor, The Poet & Friends! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.