#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.

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
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David Senra
in relation to John D. Rockefeller's business strategies and the importance of secrecy in maintaining a competitive edge.
2,706 snips
#878 - David Senra - 15 Harsh Truths From History’s Greatest Founders
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Blake Eastman
when discussing lessons learned from the book.
1,683 snips
Blake Eastman: Learn to Read Anyone
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David Senra
while discussing Rockefeller's obsession with efficiency.
1,542 snips
#383 Todd Graves and his $10 Billion Chicken Finger Dream
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David Senra
, highlighting Rockefeller's ingenuity and consistent profitability.
1,314 snips
#368 Rockefeller's Autobiography
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Richard Rumelt
as a fantastic book on a business leader.
1,080 snips
Good Strategy, Bad Strategy | Richard Rumelt
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David Senra
as a source of examples illustrating the importance of attention to detail and cost savings.
1,058 snips
#353 How To Be Rich by J. Paul Getty
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David Senra
when discussing John D. Rockefeller and his admiration for Jay Gould.
1,041 snips
The best interview I've ever done about Founders
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David Senra
for his prioritization of hiring people with strong social skills.
1,004 snips
#330 Les Schwab (Charlie Munger recommended this book)
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Sam Parr
as an example of a writer with meticulous research and intentional phrasing.
803 snips
Sam Parr: How To Make $2 Million A Month By Writing
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David Senra
for understanding the history of entrepreneurship.
675 snips
#248 John D. Rockefeller (Titan)
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David Senra
while comparing Henry Ford's and John D. Rockefeller's approaches to efficiency.
649 snips
#266 Henry Ford's Autobiography
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David Senra
as a source of information on Rockefeller's business strategies.
640 snips
#358 I had dinner with John Mackey, Founder of Whole Foods
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David Senra
as the most popular biography of Rockefeller.
621 snips
#254 John D. Rockefeller: The Founding Father of the Rockefellers
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David Senra
while discussing Rockefeller's hiring philosophy of prioritizing talented individuals as found, not as needed.
470 snips
#331 Christian Dior
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David Senra
for his prioritization of social skills in hiring.
400 snips
#327 Ted Turner
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David Senra
as a source for information on John D. Rockefeller.
382 snips
#307: The World's Great Family Dynasties: Rockefeller, Rothschild, Morgan, & Toyada
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David Senra
while discussing similar entrepreneurial mindsets between Sam Zemurray and John D. Rockefeller.
322 snips
Sam Zemurray (The Fish That Ate the Whale)
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Chris Davis
as a biography of John D. Rockefeller that everyone should read.
322 snips
RWH035: Learning from Warren Buffett & Charlie Munger w/ Chris Davis
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Robert Greene
as an example of a biographer whose work, while good, didn't reach the same level of depth as Robert Caro's.
245 snips
#35 Robert Greene: Alive Time vs. Dead Time

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