In summary, what are your thoughts on what it takes to be successful?

[Belacqua]

Since you're asking as a philosopher rather than an economist, I'm going to take "rags to riches" metaphorically. As "living poorly" to "living richly." 

This would have something to do with being open-minded and accepting of difference as you get older, more full of love and curiosity. Learning the valuable qualities of people different from yourself and societies different from your own. Being someone who defends others and makes other people feel better, rather than being a scold and an accuser.

Learning to appreciate and value beauty, and other good qualities that are good for themselves, not just utilitarian. 

Basically someone who is positive and full of love is someone who is successful.

Since it's natural (and to some extent necessary) to be more self-centered when we're young, this is all gained from experience and self-training.

(Bold mine)

The evidence does not bear this out.

Boru

According to my definition, people like this are successful people. Someone who is negative and full of hate is, in my view, unsuccessful, regardless of income or status.