Arnold Schwarzenegger explains why no man is ever self-made and it's a lesson in humility

Hard work is undoubtedly a primary factor when it comes to achieving goals and becoming the person one dreams of being. However, many other factors play an important role in one’s life. Bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger who has accomplished much in life and is constantly on the outlook to do more shared one such important factor: Community. CNBC reported that in his speech at the University of Houston, he made one thing clear for every aspiring youth, “The self-made man is a myth.” He gave a commencement speech highlighting a supportive community is just as important as any other factor in achieving one’s goals.

His speech remains an echoing message in the world even today. He proceeded to give his teachers, mentors and several others due credit for having become the successful man that he is. In a YouTube video, his speech is recorded. He said, “I always tell people that you can call me anything you want but don’t ever call me a self-made man.” He then shared his story saying, "I came over here with absolutely nothing. Just $20, some clothes and a gym bag.” He then recalled how his fellow bodybuilders joined him at his apartment for Thanksgiving. “They brought me pillows, tissues and silverware. All of the things I didn’t have.”

Schwarzenegger then remarked, “None of us can ever make it alone. Ever. Even the guy talking to you right now, who has been the greatest bodybuilder of all times.” Giving his successful reference he added, “Not even the me who was in Terminator and went back in time to save the human race.” He further drilled in reality saying, “It’s important to recognize that at every step of the way, I had help. It’s important to acknowledge that.” Further, he pointed out the need to give back after receiving that help. “As soon as you understand that you are here because you had a lot of help, you realize you need to help others,” Schwarzenegger said.

The actor who often imparts life lessons and learnings dwelled on the need to think about others and not just oneself. The article reported that clear evidence of his words was that he appeared for the University’s event for free forgoing every monetary compensation or token. Throughout his speech which panned for a good 20 minutes, Schwarzenegger focused on thrashing the idea that one becomes successful on their own. Moreover, he stressed the need to pay it forward after becoming the successful achiever one dreams of. He said, “Give something back to your community. Make sure it’s not about ‘Me’, it’s about ‘We.’” His speech went viral among students and even on the internet. 

The actor still advocates his theory that community support is a crucial factor in one’s success. In a promotion of his new book "Be Useful: 7 Tools for Life", the actor shared a glimpse of his crowd owing all his success to the love and support received from his fans and well-wishers. His post captured the cheering of an immense crowd post his speech. He captioned his post, “Thank you London! How could I ever call myself self-made? Imagine me standing in Royal Albert Hall alone. What made my stay here special was seeing thousands of you. I love you all and I hope ‘Be Useful’ helps every single one of you.”