When you look at the traits, skills and attributes that were the keys to succeeding in baseball, film and politics, they seem to have very little to do with humble beginnings. Whether it is the stamina, strength and coordination it takes to be a major leaguer, the looks, voice and style it takes to be a movies star, or the confidence, interpersonal skills and optimism it takes to be a great president – none of these are qualities that are class or economically based. Mike Kail posits the one characteristic that is shared by those who make it to the top, a characteristic that may be fostered by struggling at the start. And he shares his views about why we revere the heroes in his stories, even if their early life challenges did not directly impede their rise to fame and fortune.