Life Lessons from Rockefeller

That's John D. Rockerfeller, Sr. I'm sure you've heard of him. He was a gilded age magnate who revolutionized industry in America and abroad. 

Most known for The Standard Oil Company, Rockefeller was a shrewd businessman. He built a monopoly when there were not yet laws concerning big business. Monopolies such as Standard Oil were what led to anti-trust laws in America. 

Rockefeller, Sr.'s Standard Oil was referred to as an octopus whose tentacles snaked across America along train tracks and pipelines. Regardless of how you feel about John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the man was a smashing success. Let's look at some life lessons from Rockefeller. 

This post was inspired by the biography Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow (affiliate link).

Strict Schedule

Rockefeller adhered to a strict daily schedule. He had great sleep hygiene, and would rise and retire at the same time every day. He ate similar foods, and played games after meals to remain upright to promote digestion. 

There was time allotted for work, rest, hobbies and socialization. Rockefeller took naps. He was an avid golfer later in life. He would not miss a tee time, regardless of weather conditions. And forbade shop talk while on the green. 

Put Pen to Paper

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. was neurotic about bookkeeping. You should track every penny that's coming and going. Live by a budget, in other words. 

Meticulous bookkeeping was the backbone of Rockefeller's massive empire. It was how he streamlined refining and transporting oil. 

He knew the precise cost of every step of the process, and where he could trim the fat to save money and line the pockets of investors.

Rockefeller tried to instill this habit into his children and grandchildren. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was most successful in carrying on the family legacy, including meticulous bookkeeping and budgeting.

Use this budget planner to track expenses like a Rockefeller (affiliate link).

Fuss Free Finances

Rockefeller despised extravagance, and lived somewhat modestly compared to gilded age gents of comparable wealth. 

Yes, Rockefeller had more than one home. But he often maintained the decor and furnishings of the previous owners. He focused on practical updates to his homes, and enjoyed designing the grounds including gardens and roadways on his estates. 

Rockefeller resisted lifestyle inflation and lived well below his means. He resisted wagon/vehicle upgrades, mended worn clothing and did not have a yacht or art collection. 

Delegate Duties

Rockefeller was a master at building his team. He acquired talented individuals at all levels of his companies. 

He was known for neutralizing rivals and enemies by recruiting and counting them among his ranks. 

Rockefeller skillfully appointed employees. While he maintained a firm yolk on his management, he often feigned ignorance of unscrupulous actions.

Listen More Than You Speak

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. was often silent in the regular Standard Oil meetings. He would recline on a sofa and appear to be sleeping in "the room where it happens." He was not only very much engaged in the conversation despite his appearance, but would always offer a cool, calculated response. 

Some of the members of Senior's opposing legal teams regarded him as the most intelligent man to ever take the witness stand. He knew just enough of what to say (and what not to say), and seemed to anticipate the next several questions he would be asked.

Believe in Something Greater than Yourself

Senior was a devout Baptist. He attended a simple service. He could be found among the congregation, and would often hand out cash filled envelopes to fellow churchgoers. 

He was a great benefactor of his church, and of various Baptist causes and institutions.  He believed he was destined to make a great deal of money, to hone his skills in obtaining money, and to dispense of it for the greater good.

Never Mind the Negative

Rockefeller, Sr. was often silent when faced with brutal attacks on his character in the media. Investigative journalism seemed to rise with industry in America, and headlines often featured salacious claims concerning Rockefeller, Sr. and Standard Oil. 

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. was the scapegoat of newspaper articles and legal proceedings long after he "retired" from Standard Oil, but he stayed mum. So absolute was his belief that he was divined to obtain and dispense of great wealth for the greater good. 

Give Back

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. gave away a fortune. He approached philanthropy with the same fervor as business. He was incessantly bombarded with requests for charitable giving. Indeed, he seemed to be more overwhelmed by philanthropy than any business dealings or court proceedings. 

Rockefeller, Sr. didn't merely want to give money away. So perhaps charity isn't the best word. He wanted to carefully consider each petition, and to only support causes that would reach many and inspire ongoing effort or effect.

He favored medical research to prevent or cure diseases, and supported many institutions of higher learning. Rockefeller, Sr. resisted having the extent of his contributions known, or that buildings and the like should bear his name. He did not want the public to think he was giving as atonement for perceived unsavory business practices. 

While Rockefeller Center and Rockefeller University in New York seem obvious, John D. Rockefeller, Sr. was also heavily involved with the following to name a few:

• Campaign to eradicate hookworm 
• Development of a yellow fever vaccine
• Spelman College (Spelman was his wife Laura's maiden name)
• University of Chicago
• Creating and Funding the Board of Education

Have Fun Along the Way  

Rockefeller abstained from alcohol and gambling. He did not play cards or attend theatre. And he strongly encouraged his descendants, acquaintances and colleagues to do the same. 

He enjoyed racing horses and cars, and golfing. As you might now guess, Rockefeller approached these hobbies with the same intense focus as other areas of his life. He was always striving to better himself.

Bring Levity to Serious Situations

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. suffered from Alopecia later in life. Alopecia is a condition that causes loss of
hair from your head, or your entire body. This drastically changed Rockefeller's appearance.

Alopecia did not cause Rockefeller to shrink from the public eye. On the contrary, he took to wearing garish getups. 

In the early days of Rockefeller's life, his wardrobe was described as modest and simple. Imagine the surprise when he started wearing vibrant colors and comical hats! I'd say Rockefeller responded to his altered appearance by owning it! 

Conclusion

John D. Rockefeller, Sr. was a controversial figure because he dared greatly. He made a lot of money, but he gave away a great deal of it. 

He modernized the oil industry and big business. He also heavily influenced advances in education and medicine. He was an intense man in his profession and at leisure, always striving for improvement in his business and his hobbies.

What does the Rockefeller name make you think of?

Check out this article for more facts about John D. Rockefeller, Sr.