

#224
Mentioned in 61 episodes
Titan
The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
Book • 1998
This biography by Ron Chernow provides an in-depth look at John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the founder of Standard Oil and one of the most influential figures in American history.
Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs Rockefeller’s troubled origins, his single-minded pursuit of wealth, and his profound religiosity.
The book also delves into Rockefeller’s philanthropic efforts, including his generous donations to the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and Rockefeller University.
Chernow’s narrative synthesizes Rockefeller’s public and private lives, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual who was both a ruthless businessman and a devoted philanthropist.
The book captures a pivotal moment in American history, documenting the post-Civil War shift from small businesses to giant corporations and featuring cameos by notable figures such as Ida Tarbell, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P.
Morgan.
Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs Rockefeller’s troubled origins, his single-minded pursuit of wealth, and his profound religiosity.
The book also delves into Rockefeller’s philanthropic efforts, including his generous donations to the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and Rockefeller University.
Chernow’s narrative synthesizes Rockefeller’s public and private lives, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual who was both a ruthless businessman and a devoted philanthropist.
The book captures a pivotal moment in American history, documenting the post-Civil War shift from small businesses to giant corporations and featuring cameos by notable figures such as Ida Tarbell, Andrew Carnegie, and J.P.
Morgan.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 61 episodes
Recommended by Charlie Munger as a biography of John D. Rockefeller.

4,842 snips
#380 Four Hundred Pages of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger In Their Own Words
Mentioned by 

in relation to John D. Rockefeller's business strategies and the importance of secrecy in maintaining a competitive edge.


David Senra

2,706 snips
#878 - David Senra - 15 Harsh Truths From History’s Greatest Founders
Mentioned by 

when discussing lessons learned from the book.


Blake Eastman

1,683 snips
Blake Eastman: Learn to Read Anyone
Mentioned by 

while discussing Rockefeller's obsession with efficiency.


David Senra

1,542 snips
#383 Todd Graves and his $10 Billion Chicken Finger Dream
Mentioned by 

, highlighting Rockefeller's ingenuity and consistent profitability.


David Senra

1,314 snips
#368 Rockefeller's Autobiography
Mentioned by 

as a fantastic book on a business leader.


Richard Rumelt

1,080 snips
Good Strategy, Bad Strategy | Richard Rumelt
Mentioned by 

as a source of examples illustrating the importance of attention to detail and cost savings.


David Senra

1,058 snips
#353 How To Be Rich by J. Paul Getty
Mentioned by 

when discussing John D. Rockefeller and his admiration for Jay Gould.


David Senra

1,041 snips
The best interview I've ever done about Founders
Mentioned by 

for his prioritization of hiring people with strong social skills.


David Senra

1,004 snips
#330 Les Schwab (Charlie Munger recommended this book)
Mentioned by 

as an example of a writer with meticulous research and intentional phrasing.


Sam Parr

803 snips
Sam Parr: How To Make $2 Million A Month By Writing
Recommended by 

for understanding the history of entrepreneurship.


David Senra

675 snips
#248 John D. Rockefeller (Titan)
Mentioned by 

while comparing Henry Ford's and John D. Rockefeller's approaches to efficiency.


David Senra

649 snips
#266 Henry Ford's Autobiography
Mentioned by 

as a source of information on Rockefeller's business strategies.


David Senra

640 snips
#358 I had dinner with John Mackey, Founder of Whole Foods
Mentioned by 

as the most popular biography of Rockefeller.


David Senra

621 snips
#254 John D. Rockefeller: The Founding Father of the Rockefellers
Mentioned by 

while discussing Rockefeller's hiring philosophy of prioritizing talented individuals as found, not as needed.


David Senra

470 snips
#331 Christian Dior
Mentioned by 

for his prioritization of social skills in hiring.


David Senra

400 snips
#327 Ted Turner
Mentioned by 

as a source for information on John D. Rockefeller.


David Senra

382 snips
#307: The World's Great Family Dynasties: Rockefeller, Rothschild, Morgan, & Toyada
Mentioned by 

while discussing similar entrepreneurial mindsets between Sam Zemurray and John D. Rockefeller.


David Senra

322 snips
Sam Zemurray (The Fish That Ate the Whale)
Mentioned by 

as a biography of John D. Rockefeller that everyone should read.


Chris Davis

322 snips
RWH035: Learning from Warren Buffett & Charlie Munger w/ Chris Davis
Mentioned by 

as an example of a biographer whose work, while good, didn't reach the same level of depth as Robert Caro's.


Robert Greene

245 snips
#35 Robert Greene: Alive Time vs. Dead Time