American Citizen Since 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger Makes a Surprising Confession: “I Became Rich and Famous Because of America, Not Austria”

Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived on American soil to fulfill his dream of becoming the best bodybuilder in the world. The Austrian Oak trained hard at the gym and became the 7x Mr. Olympia champion by 1980. He followed up his illustrious athletic career with an unparalleled movie stint in Hollywood. And in 2003, he became the Governor of California, with people rallying for him. 

The 76-year-old recently published a self-help book, Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life, and to promote it, he appeared on the Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend podcast. In the episode, he revealed why he chose to run for the Governor seat in 2003.

Arnold Schwarzenegger had noble reasons

The Austrian Oak came from an underprivileged family but is now the richest bodybuilder with a $450 Million net worth. However, his accomplishments in the past and the fortune he amassed did not stop him from rallying for a noble cause. Even in his seventies, Schwarzenegger is helping people to own the fitness mantra through his newsletter and sharing his success principles through his new book. 

While speaking about why he doesn’t want to be called a self-made man, the 76-year-old revealed, “I know that people when they call me a self-made man, it’s a compliment, but I also at the same time want to make it clear that a self-made man means that there is no one that helped me, that I made myself which is not true.” Revealing the help he received throughout his career, Arnie said, “I mean my parents helped me. My father, my mother, my teachers helped me. My coaches helped me… and I remember 5.8 million people voted for me to become governor of California.“

Recounting his political days, Schwarzenegger confessed, “When everyone said, ‘Arnold, you’re insane because you’re going to miss out on two movies a year, which you make $20 million a movie. You’re missing out on all that money for becoming Governor. Are you crazy?’ and I tell people, I said, ‘Look, every dollar that I made was because of America. I became rich and famous because of America, not because of Austria, not because of Germany, or any other place.'” So, he wanted to give something back to the country and joined politics. Did Arnie’s passion for ‘Being Useful‘ end after his political stint? The answer is No! 

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The Austrian Oak’s recent endeavors shed light on his philanthropic instinct

The 76-year-old is the greatest example of the American Dream. After landing in the country in 1968, he became an American citizen in 1983 and consistently contributed to its growth. At 76, he is trying to motivate people through his fitness newsletter. His self-help book is another contribution to the American Society. 

Schwarzenegger recently celebrated 40 years of being an American citizen. While the country gave him opportunities to realize his personal and professional dreams, he gave back in the form of unparalleled service. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life story inspired many to follow his suit and realize their American Dream. Don’t you think so? Let us know in the comments below.

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