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DESIGNER OF HIS
FORTUNE
It is normal for a person born in a business family to prove himself by earning in
thousands or millions. But Rockefeller was not the son of a tycoon; he was not even the
son of a businessman. In fact he was the son of a rogue, leading a double life - one as
William (or Big Bill) Rockefeller and the other as Dr Levingston. William could not have
taught or preached his children rules of morality, but would have certainly taught them
the rules that governed all monetary transactions. Credit certainly goes to John that he
took only the best from his father and rose to such a height in his life. It certainly
requires a lot more than ‘Lady Luck’ to be able to rise from humble beginnings
to such dizzy financial heights of success.
A GREAT DONOR
| It's a wonder that in spite of earning a fortune, Rockefeller remained hard working, honest and charitable throughout his life. Since a very young age, he was in the habit of giving a portion of his earnings to charity. This habit continued all throughout his life. He believed it to be "every man’s religious duty to get all he can honestly and to give all he can." But he was not willing to give if the other party did not try and raise the money too. He devised a method by which the receiving party too would he involved in the fund raising. The University of Chicago was founded when Rockefeller pledged $6,00,000 of the first $10,00,000, if others pledged the remaining $4,00,000 within 90 days. Over the next 20 years, he helped build the institution, but always on the condition that others too join in its support. His total contribution to the University came to about $35,00,000 before he withdrew from further activity there, believing it to be "the property of the people, (it) should be controlled, conducted and supported by the people." |
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To manage his funds better and
to see that they were put to maximum use, Rockefeller devised a method of charitable
corporations. These were to be managed and governed by trustees and officers who would see
that the funds under their care were put to the best use. Under the able guidance of Rev.
Frederick T Gates, director of American Baptist Education Society, Rockefeller formed the
corporation and established institutions that are landmarks in science, medicine, public
health and education.
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