Of course Bill Gates could look any one of us (Americans that is) in the eyes and say that. He'd be right.
Like ubi, I left the nest early in life at 17 and made my life what it is. Each and every one of us are responsible for what we become. That's the beauty of America. We are not limited by anyone but ourselves. We are free, and free to excel or fail. No one handed me an inheritence nor put me through school. I had to go out in the world and learn what I needed to know in able to make a living to take care of my family. Just as my father did, and as his father did, and as my kids are doing now for their children. It comes down to hard work and making good decisions. Bill Gates would tell you the same. Of course luck can take you places and give you a lift from time to time..... but it's really about good decisions and hard work.