Rule #0: Be born into a privileged family. Your parents will raise you in a wealthier suburb where the schools are good and you network with other similarly privileged kids. The crime rate is low, so you’re less likely to end up injured or killed by violence. Air pollution is also likely lower, so less odds of death by asthma.

Privilege gets you into college, where you study with other even more privileged kids, obtaining a designation that further cements your advantages. From this basis of privilege, your privileged ancestors will perhaps gift you some capital with which you can start your portfolio or purchase a home.

You now begin you career and can start following the other steps to maintain your advantage.

* edited to replace “white male” with “privileged family,” which is a bit fairer and less controversial.