07/06/2024
John D. Rockefeller was the wealthiest American of all time and was once among the richest men 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
By Ebenye Christy
