Of course, the answer depends to a significant extent on what we mean by “success.” In terms of entrepreneurship, some studies show that many of the most successful entrepreneurs were first born. For example, the table below shows the birth order of some of the most famous entrepreneurs.
While Larry Page and Sergei Brin (founders of Google) were also the first-born, Mark Zuckerberg was the youngest of four children, having three older sisters. The first born is usually more prone to lead, on account of their leadership position relative to the other siblings. However, being first born does not ensure leadership potential, it merely offers an advantage in the unconscious programming acquired in those early years as the leader of one’s siblings. Other factors such as risk tolerance, drive and creativity are stronger variables in predicting entrepreneurial success.
Studies show that the first born also tend to have higher academic achievement and some psychologists theorize that this is a result of associating exclusively with people of higher intelligence (their parents) during their formative years. The younger siblings often receive their guidance from older siblings who do not possess the language skills or sophisticated thinking of the parents. Other psychologists suggest that the parental expectations are higher for the first born and the first child is expected to be the “trailblazer” for the younger siblings. By the time the later siblings arrive, the parents are less focussed on directing their children’s behaviors.
Studies of only children give mixed results. It is generally believed that the only child receives the entire parental attention and is therefore more mature than most children of their age. However, the absence of siblings sometimes restricts their ability to learn social skills and they often feel isolated. Of course, these are rough generalizations because so many other factors play into the development of intelligence, leadership skills and the general elements that constitute “success.”
