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15 Billionaires Who Were Once Dirt Poor

Vivian GiangJan 2, 2014, 03:03 IST

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty ImagesRalph Lauren

Wealth tends to create more wealth, but a rich background is not the only way to the top. Some of the world's wealthiest people started out dirt poor.

All from humble beginnings, these 15 people not only climbed to the top of their industries but also became some of the richest people in the world.

Although the rich do get richer, these rags-to-riches stories remind us that through determination, grit, and a bit of luck anyone can overcome their circumstances and achieve extraordinary success.