And how, exactly, does one embark upon an endeavour such as owning real estate, starting a business, buying stocks, acquiring education, or starting a family?

For almost every single person, the main source of their wealth will be their career.

Unless you are planning on inheriting more money than you expect to make from your career from your extremely wealthy parents, you're going to have to accept Rule #1.

And if you borrow money to accomplish these things, you are in violation of Rule #7, don't use leverage.