Money is the great equalizer in lilfe.
Almost anything is possible with money. You can lack education, intelligence, personality, looks, but if you have money, you can cover up those shortcomings very easily.
There are so many people with amazing ideas who lack the ability to get the project of the ground because of money.
Can you make it without money sure. There are those that work hard and reach the pinnacle, but if you have money you can ensure an admission into a school like Harvard or Yale (legacy or major donor) and then pretty much set yourself up for the rest of your life.