Idk, keeping spending low and pumping everything I could into index funds worked really well for me with minimal risk. When you come from a poor background and can't bounce back as easily from setbacks, you may have a different risk profile.
This statement is so general that I feel it doesn’t really say anything.
It’s true that Larry Ellison didn’t become a billionaire by buying and holding index funds. But for people who don’t feel a strong desire to buy their own yacht, index funds can be a very good investment.