IMO its an unpredictable mix of luck and action. 
For example I would decades ago bore friends and family with my constant critique of the banks and corruption of the financial system and they would ask 'but why you waste your time on this subject?'.
But when Bitcoin came along I was instantly on board and understood what was on offer- they did not see the beauty and significance of Bitcoin although I tried to explain it.
Often what you are most interested in can lead to great success and it is not success that you sought but the interest and knowledge itself.  
 

Solomonsatoshi

econ

"You Just Hate Old People!" Yeah... I Mean, Basically.

denlillaapan

I'm sure every generation gets their opportunity for prosperity. Some take and some don't.

I hear from my Boomer relatives all the time about how they used to own this or that collectors item that's now worth a fortune. It doesn't register with them that they're completely missing the point, that the people being rewarded are the ones who recognized the opportunities and acted on them. It's all just luck in their minds.