If by assets you mean the house you live in, the cars you drive and the things you buy... you are absolutely ridiculous for believing that those are anything but liabilities. Think about it. You pay your mortage, property taxes, maintenance fees, etc. every month on a home. It is TAKING your money from you. Now, when you feel like you're about to be down and out, sure you can sell that home and make a good bit of cash off of it, but you never gained anything more then what you had in the beginning.
With my example of putting that million into a savings account and paying your mortage with the interest, you at least get to live in your mansion for free. You do not gain any money, but you have gotten something free out of the deal and that's obviously better then nothing.
Now, invest that million properly and with the right motivation and knowledge you too could be the next Donald Trump.