From Broke School Kid to Multi-millionaire: Billy Carson reflects on his journey

• Author: DN MEDIA NETWORK
• Date: 30 March 2021
• Published date: 30 March 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

It was a tough childhood for Billy. Scarcity was like an unwelcomed guest who refused to leave. Walking down the memory lane that was patrolled by thieving crossing guards, Billy recalls, "I had far from a rosy childhood. We were a part of a poor neighborhood. My father, who perhaps wanted to me learn to stand up on my feet so that my youth didn't resemble the days of my childhood, instilled in me a fierce sense of independence. I was expected to pay rent to live in the same house and take care of my everyday expenses on my own. It was difficult, but also perhaps the shortest way for me to learn about life and its difficulties. I had one pair of shoes and two pairs of pants. And I guarded my possessions fiercely."

Billy learned early on that he would have to become creative to go from one day to the next. His shoes were not meant to last forever, but his grit had different plans. "I took extra care of my shoes. They were my only defense against the jagged streets that led to my school. However, despite all my attempts, the sole would often come undone. So, to keep my feet safe and to be able to outrun the crossing guards who'd rob us kids blind, I would sometimes insert cardboard sheets inside the shoes, and at others, wear cheap football cleats. Of course, the kids at school found it thoroughly amusing and found great joy in humiliating me. But I'd learned to take life as it comes, and in any case, I was more driven to protect my feet than my self-esteem at that point. However, the experience did hit home. It provided me the impetus I needed to stand on my feet, and this time, protect it well."

And protect he did. A tough childhood can only make you go two ways – you can either end up on the streets hustling, or you can use your scars to heal your future. Billy chose the latter. Today, he's best known as the founder of 4biddenknowledge TV, an online streaming platform that offers its viewers alternative ways of interpreting the world and expand their mental horizon in the process. He's also a best-selling author and is well known for his books, The Compendium of Emerald Tablets and Woke...