Book Review | The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son: Perspectives, Ideology, and Wisdom by G. Ng

The 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to his son: Perspectives, Ideology, and Wisdom by G. Ng

John D. Rockefeller's "38 Letters to His Son" offers a profound glimpse into the mind of one of history's most influential figures. Through a collection of heartfelt letters, Rockefeller imparts timeless wisdom and values to his son, revealing not only the industrial magnate's business acumen but also his commitment to family and moral principles.

The letters showcase Rockefeller's emphasis on hard work, perseverance, and integrity, providing a roadmap for success that extends beyond mere financial achievement. His insights on philanthropy and the responsibility of wealth offer a refreshing perspective. Rockefeller's dedication to leaving a positive legacy, shines through, as he encourages his son to be a steward of both fortune and goodwill but also provides insight into how ruthless and competitive Rockefeller once was.

Three of my favourite quotes from his letters:

• “We need to harness our knowledge and use it to make a difference in the world! So, let’s go out there and make things happen, because we have the power to create our own destinies!”
• “It is important to remember that the true reward for our hard work is not the tangible benefits we received, but rather the personal growth we experience along the way.”
• “Failure is the beginning of the journey to a higher position. I can say that what I have achieved today was from climbing the spiral ladder of failure and then rose from there. I am a clever "loser". I know to learn from failures, draw success factors from my experience through failure, and use innovative methods that I have never thought of before to start a new career. So, I want to say is that failure is a good thing as long as it does not become a habit.”

Link to Book

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