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John D. Rockefeller (July 8, 1839–May 23, 1937), the founder of Standard Oil, held the title of the richest man in the world during his time. He was the first person in history to achieve billionaire status.
In 1916, Rockefeller’s wealth surpassed $1 billion. By the time of his death in 1937, his fortune was estimated to be around $340 billion in today’s currency.
At just 25 years old, Rockefeller owned one of the largest oil refineries in the United States. By age 31, he had become the leading oil refiner in the world, and by 38, he controlled 90% of the oil refined in the United States. At 50, he was the wealthiest man in America. From a young age, his actions, attitudes, and connections were all aimed at building his wealth.
However, at 53, Rockefeller’s health deteriorated. He experienced severe pain throughout his body and lost all his hair. Despite being able to afford anything, he could only consume soup and crackers. According to one of his associates, “He couldn’t sleep, wouldn’t smile, and nothing in life meant anything to him.” His personal doctors predicted he would not live past the year. As he neared what seemed to be the end of his life, Rockefeller realized that his immense fortune would be of no use to him in the afterlife.
Recognizing his lack of control over his personal life, despite his dominance in the business world, Rockefeller decided to channel his wealth into hospitals, research, and charitable causes. Thus, the Rockefeller Foundation was born.
The foundation notably funded the penicillin research of Howard Florey and his colleague Norman Heatley in 1941. Remarkably, as Rockefeller began to donate a portion of his wealth, his health improved significantly, and he recovered.
Initially expected to die at 53, Rockefeller went on to live until the age of 98. He discovered the power of gratitude and gave away most of his fortune, which brought him a sense of completeness. Healing is one thing, but achieving overall well-being is another. A devout Baptist, Rockefeller regularly attended the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
In his later years, he wrote in his diary: “God taught me that everything belongs to Him, and I am merely a conduit to carry out His will. My life has been one long, happy holiday since then; full of work and play, I let go of my worries along the road, and God was wonderful to me every day.”
