Well I was raised in French and my dad would use this expression from time to time. (I didn't read the whole wiki page, I'm just answering based on my experience)

It meant "being resourceful" & ingenious. Don't always expect someone else to help you in order to achieve something, or don't just give up at the first problem you encounter.

e.g. Something is heavy to lift and you expected someone stronger to be there to help you. Well you can borrow a lift, you can call someone else and lift it together, try to come up with some kind of lever, etc

Another example: Don't wait for someone to explain something you don't understand, when you could be looking it up by yourself on the internet (sorry that one was an easy joke ;) )