John D. Rockefeller was the wealthiest American of all time and was once among the richest man in the world. By age 25, he controlled one of the largest oil refineries in the US. By age 31, he had become the world’s largest oil refiner. By age 38, he commanded 90% of the oil refined in the U.S.
By 50, he was the richest man in the country. As a young man, every decision, attitude, and relationship was tailored to create his personal power and wealth.
But at the age of 53, he became ill. His entire body became racked with pain and he lost all of his hair. In complete agony, the billionaire who could buy anything he wanted, but he could only digest soup and crackers. An associate wrote, He could not sleep, would not smile and nothing in life meant anything to him. His personal, highly skilled physicians predicted he would die within a year.
As he approached death he awoke one morning with the vague realization of not being able to take any of his wealth with him into the next world. The man who could control the business world suddenly realized he was not in control of his own life. He was left with a choice.
So, he called his attorneys, accountants, and managers and announced that he wanted to channel his Assets to Hospitals, Research, and Charity work. John D. Rockefeller established his Foundation.
This new direction eventually led to the discovery of Penicillin, cures for Malaria, Tuberculosis and Diphtheria.
But perhaps the most amazing part of Rockefeller’s story is that the moment he began to give back a portion of all that he had earned, his body’s chemistry was altered so significantly that he got better. It looked as if he would die at 53 but he lived until 98 yrs. old.
Rockefeller discovered the power of gratitude and philanthropy, giving away the majority of his wealth. This act not only healed him but also made him whole. The happiness he felt in sharing his blessings is one thing that healed him.
In his later years, he reflected in his diary:
“God taught me that everything belongs to Him, and I am merely a channel to fulfill His wishes. My life has been a long, happy journey, full of work and play. I let go of worry, and God was good to me every day.”
John Davison Rockefeller
July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937
Founder of Standard Oil

32 thoughts on “John D. Rockefeller was the wealthiest American”
This article is a great resource, thank you for putting it together.
La weekly I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
Your blog is a constant source of inspiration for me. Your passion for your subject matter shines through in every post, and it’s clear that you genuinely care about making a positive impact on your readers.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup It in fact was a amusement account it Look advanced to more added agreeable from you By the way how could we communicate
Keep up the fantastic work!
Keep up the fantastic work!
Sky Scarlet very informative articles or reviews at this time.
Ezippi You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
Noodlemagazine Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post . Noodlemagazine
Noodlemagazine I truly appreciate your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will
Thanks for this grand post, I am glad I detected this internet site on yahoo.
An attention-grabbing dialogue is value comment. I believe that you must write more on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally individuals are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
I am always thought about this, thanks for putting up.
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your site in internet explorer, may test this… IE still is the marketplace chief and a good section of people will pass over your wonderful writing because of this problem.
Thank you for every other informative blog. Where else may just I get that type of info written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different website and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking over your web page for a second time.
I like this website very much, Its a very nice post to read and find information.
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.
I loved as much as youll receive carried out right here The sketch is attractive your authored material stylish nonetheless you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
I am impressed with this website , very I am a fan.
Yay google is my world beater aided me to find this outstanding internet site! .
Great post, you have pointed out some great points, I besides think this s a very great website.
I like this web blog very much, Its a very nice situation to read and find information. “One man’s religion is another man’s belly laugh.” by Robert Anson Heinlein.
Great post and right to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any ideea where to hire some professional writers? Thx 🙂
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would really benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Regards!
Thank you, I have just been looking for info approximately this subject for a long time and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you positive about the source?
I truly enjoy looking through on this internet site, it has got great articles.
I’ve recently started a web site, the information you provide on this website has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. This type of clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
I really like your writing style, good info , appreciate it for putting up : D.
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.