Rags to riches

The term "Rags to Riches" refers to any situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth. This is a common archetype in literature and popular culture.

Many stories feature a "rags to riches" theme, including:

These stories give the poor hope that they can rise to fame and wealth. They are most popular in societies such as the United States, where belief in the ability to move between social classes is an important part of the national identity. "Rags to riches" stories are notably absent in societies that have or once had a very rigid, hierarchical caste systems such as India.

There are a number of historical figures whose lives followed a "rags to riches" path. These include:

See also: Social mobility, The Ugly Duckling, lottery, hope

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