How does the Rockefeller biography compare to other biographies of his time? Having made his fortune, he spent the last years of his 97-year-old life-giving money away. a family man, a man hated for his wealth, and a man valued for his ability to donate to public upliftment causes. The hardships forged Rockefeller into the man he became: the richest man on the planet, an oil magnate, a Baptist man. Early poverty and humiliation compelled John Rockefeller to stand by his mother and provide for his family. He was married to John’s mother, and also had children from another woman. He would sell an idea to investors take or borrow their money and not return it earning disrepute for the family.

William, John’s father would disappear for long periods of time without sharing when he would return. Young John Rockefeller saw that his father’s irresponsible work attitude and bad social choices kept the family home on the edge of a financial crisis all the way until he finishes high school and enters the workplace. Dishonorable fathers and the love of mothers make a power mix for progress. He rises by his belief in God, a life of piety and purity, the practice of frugality, and courage to execute bold and fierce competitiveness.Įarly hardship in early life can be a key motivator in the drive for success and wealth. John Davison Rockefeller born in a home inflicted with poverty, his rags-to-riches story reveals his intense desire for success. JR MacGregor’s 2019 book is a fast reading, densely fact-packed retelling of the story of America’s first titan of industry.

Titan jd rockefeller