What Did the Top 1% of the World Do to Get Rich?

Have you ever wondered how the top 1% of the world accumulate so much wealth? The idea that a small portion of the population holds most of the world’s riches is real — and it's been growing since the end of feudalism and the Industrial Revolution. But the real question is: How do these people get rich? Is it inheritance? Luck? Strategy? In this post, we’ll explore the most common paths that led these individuals to the top of the economic pyramid.

It’s Not Always Inheritance: Who Are the Top 1%?

Despite common belief, not all millionaires and billionaires inherited their fortunes. In the U.S., for example, only 16% of millionaires received an inheritance. In Brazil, studies show that about 10–20% of millionaires came into wealth this way. The rest? They built it from scratch.

How the 1% Make Their Money

1. Business Ownership and Investments

The most common way to get rich among the 1% is through business ownership. Whether as entrepreneurs, investors, or company partners, most wealthy individuals own or hold shares in private or public businesses. In the U.S., nearly half of the top 1%’s assets are in companies and real estate. In Brazil, it's more than 70%.

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2. High-Income Careers

While not the fastest route, high-paying jobs can also put people in the top income bracket. Think senior medical specialists, executive directors, senior advertising professionals, and top-level tech roles. But building wealth this way takes time, consistency, and decades of hard work.

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3. Real Estate Investing

A lesser-known but highly effective strategy is real estate investing. Many top earners bought cheap land or properties in growing areas and watched them appreciate in value over time. Investing in land, rural properties, or urban lots can be incredibly profitable — especially in regions with high growth potential.

Example: Buying land for $10,000 and selling it for $70,000 a few years later.

4. Royalties, Patents, and Intellectual Property

Yes, you can live off an idea. Those who create music, patents, inventions, or strong brands can earn royalties for years or even decades. This includes artists, inventors, and entrepreneurs who license their creations.

Examples:

• Musicians earning from radio and ad placements

• Inventors of everyday gadgets

• Patent holders in pharma and tech industries

Entrepreneurship and Bold Moves

Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools for people who started with little and rose to the top. Entrepreneurs have the advantage of scalability, innovation, and independence. They grow faster than average workers — especially when they know how to reinvest and manage wisely.

💬 Real-life example: Raul Sena (a.k.a. Investidor Sardinha), who became a multimillionaire in his 20s through commissions, smart investing, and eventually launching his own businesses.

And What About “Gray Area” Wealth?

Yes, some people get rich through unethical or illegal means — corruption, land grabbing, scams. But these are exceptions, not the rule. Sustainable wealth is usually built with strategy, time, and smart moves.

Final Thoughts: How Can YOU Join the 1%?

To reach the top 1%, you need to build real assets, and that means:

• Investing in stocks, funds, and real estate

• Gaining financial education

• Creating or owning businesses

• Finding growth in your career or side hustles

If you want to stop being average, the first step is to think and act like the wealthy do — invest in what builds real, long-term wealth.