This post deviates from what I normally write, but I think it will be worth it. Improving yourself comes from an appreciation and understanding of different points of view, and influences from people and disciplines that are outside your immediate personal or professional circle. Over the last couple of years, Tim Ferriss, through his book four hour work week, and his podcasts, where he “deconstructs world famous performers”, has been an invaluable resource for me.

In a foreword to Tim’s latest book,Arnold Schwarzeneggerr has written a short note about something we tend to overlook – no one is self-made. You can find the entire foreword at the end of this post. In a world where we seek out heroes, and prefer narratives to dry facts, we romanticize the notion of being self-made. Arnold points out that where you end up is a function of other people believing in you and carrying you on their shoulders.

The investment industry can learn a couple of lessons from Arnold. The tendency to celebrate “star performers” may be misguided. Star performers are stars because of the support structure around them and those who invest with them.

Investment professionals and businesses might serve their clients better by being more humble, and appreciate that their success comes on the shoulder of people who believe in them, and not by trampling upon others, or taking their investors for granted.

There is another lesson here about effective marketing. Tim has been very methodical and thoughtful in his marketing strategy. And it works – instead of spending millions on advertising and promotion, Tim promotes his book by demonstrating value to the reader. Tim’s real objective of sharing the foreword by Arnold was to probably have people (like me) drive traffic to his website, podcast and promote his new book ($15.99 on iBooks) for free. Its working.

His marketing works because its not a psychological advertising tactic, but rather because it adds value to the customer by being direct and on point. This is another lesson for investment advisors and product providers – syrupy commercials of a financial advisor being hugged at the time of a daughter’s wedding, or pictures of sunny beaches and smiling kids can only go so far if you cannot demonstrate value.

Here is the foreword that Arnold wrote, and link to Tim Ferriss’ new book Tools of Titans. Disclosure: I am not affiliated with Tim Ferriss in any way and have not received any compensation for this article. In fact, Tim probably doesn’t even know I exist.

I am not a self-made man.

Every time I give a speech at a business conference, or speak to college students, or do a Reddit AMA, someone says it.

“Governor/Governator/Arnold/Arnie/Schwarzie/Schnitzel (depending on where I am), as a self-made man, what’s your blueprint for success?”

They’re always shocked when I thank them for the compliment but say, “I am not a self-made man. I got a lot of help.”

It is true that I grew up in Austria without plumbing. It is true that I moved to America alone with just a gym bag. And it is true that I worked as a bricklayer and invested in real estate to become a millionaire before I ever swung the sword in Conan the Barbarian.

But it is not true that I am self-made. Like everyone, to get to where I am, I stood on the shoulders of giants. My life was built on a foundation of parents, coaches, and teachers; of kind souls who lent couches or gym back rooms where I could sleep; of mentors who shared wisdom and advice; of idols who motivated me from the pages of magazines (and, as my life grew, from personal interaction).

I had a big vision, and I had fire in my belly. But I would never have gotten anywhere without my mother helping me with my homework (and smacking me when I wasn’t ready to study), without my father telling me to “be useful,” without teachers who explained how to sell, or without coaches who taught me the fundamentals of weight lifting.

If I had never seen a magazine with Reg Park on the cover and read about his transition from Mr. Universe to playing Hercules on the big screen, I might still be yodeling in the Austrian Alps. I knew I wanted to leave Austria, and I knew that America was exactly where I belonged, but Reg put fuel on the fire and gave me my blueprint.

Joe Weider brought me to America and took me under his wing, promoting my bodybuilding career and teaching me about business. Lucille Ball took a huge chance and called me to guest star in a special that was my first big break in Hollywood. And in 2003, without the help of 4,206,284 Californians, I would never have been elected Governor of the great state of California.

So how can I ever claim to be self-made? To accept that mantle discounts every person and every piece of advice that got me here. And it gives the wrong impression — that you can do it alone.

I couldn’t. And odds are, you can’t either.

We all need fuel. Without the assistance, advice, and inspiration of others, the gears of our mind grind to a halt, and we’re stuck with nowhere to go. I have been blessed to find mentors and idols at every step of my life, and I’ve been lucky to meet many of them.

From Joe Weider to Nelson Mandela, from Mikhail Gorbachev to Muhammad Ali, from Andy Warhol to George H.W. Bush, I have never been shy about seeking wisdom from others to pour fuel on my fire.

You have probably listened to Tim’s podcasts. (I particularly recommend the one with the charming bodybuilder with the Austrian accent.) He has used his platform to bring you the wisdom of a diverse cast of characters in business, entertainment, and sports. I bet you’ve learned something from them — and oftentimes, I bet you picked up something you didn’t expect.

Whether it’s a morning routine, or a philosophy or training tip, or just motivation to get through your day, there isn’t a person on this planet who doesn’t benefit from a little outside help. I’ve always treated the world as my classroom, soaking up lessons and stories to fuel my path forward. I hope you do the same.

The worst thing you can ever do is think that you know enough.

Never stop learning. Ever.

That’s why you bought this book. You know that wherever you are in life, there will be moments when you need outside motivation and insight. There will be times when you don’t have the answer, or the drive, and you’re forced to look beyond yourself.

You can admit that you can’t do it alone. I certainly can’t. No one can.

Now, turn the page and learn something.

— Arnold Schwarzenegger