Rags to riches refers to any situation in which a person rises from poverty to wealth, or sometimes from obscurity to fame. This is a common archetype in literature and popular culture (for example, the writings of Horatio Alger, Jr.).
Read more about Rags To Riches: Classic Times, Modern Times, Criticism
Famous quotes containing the words rags and/or riches:
“The most fitting monuments this nation can build are schoolhouses and homes for those who do the work of the world. It is no answer to say that they are accustomed to rags and hunger. In this world of plenty every human being has a right to food, clothes, decent shelter, and the rudiments of education.”
—Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815–1902)
“Being is good, but getting rich is better.... If the gods had only the riches of men’s adoration, they would be as poor as poor Caligula.”
—Albert Camus (1913–1960)