Why is investing such an essential part to becoming a billionaire?

Question

Why is investing such an essential part to becoming a billionaire?

Answer 1

Because paper gains are not taxed!

Think about it!

Answer 2

We'll (sitting back in ricking chair) when I was a billionaire...

Investing in a mega successful business (Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, in the early days - etc), taking the opposite side of the majority trade and being right (Paulson - subprime index short) are keys. You need massive vision with massive action.

I can guarantee that no one will ever pay you in wages to ever equivalent that kind of mass without returning a bigger profit to them.

Answer 3

because, if you invest $10,000 a year for 50 years, and earn a 22.6%, you'll have a billion dollars.

if you wanted to do this all in cash, it would take you 100,000 years to reach 1 billion dollars.

Answer 4

It is not.

Most people become a (first generation) billionaire through wealth creation:  building a profitable business while retaining a significant ownership position.

Investing your way to billions is rather rare.  

I can't think of one who did it without building a company or business along the way.

Answer 5

You make a living using your hands, you make money with your head.

You can "work" for someone and they will take care you, you can work for yourself and make money for you and your family.

Not sure if you will become a billionaire, but one can do well investing.