“"I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.” ~J.D Rockefeller
Some of the most powerful wisdom I’ve come across in life hasn’t come from classrooms or conferences—it’s come from books. Books have a way of capturing timeless truths, distilled through the experiences of those who lived before us. Recently, one such book struck me deeply: 38 Letters from J.D. Rockefeller to His Son.
It’s not a business book in the traditional sense. It’s not a biography, either. It’s a series of letters—raw, personal, and profoundly intentional—written from one of the wealthiest men in modern history to his son. But these aren’t just financial lessons. They’re life lessons: sharp, honest, and often spiritual reflections from a man who built one of the greatest fortunes the world has ever seen.
Why J.D. Rockefeller Still Matters
Before I read this, I’ll admit—I wasn’t quite sure who Rockefeller really was. I’d heard the name. I knew he was wealthy. But I didn’t know why he was important. Turns out, J.D. Rockefeller built and led Standard Oil, a company that at its peak controlled 90% of U.S. oil refineries and pipelines. He became America’s first billionaire, and quite possibly the richest person in modern history when adjusted for inflation.
And yet, what’s fascinating isn’t just the scale of his wealth—it’s what he did with it. He gave away over $500 million, funded the University of Chicago, and launched the Rockefeller Foundation and Institute for Medical Research. He essentially invented modern philanthropy, laying the groundwork for how billionaires give back today.
But here’s what truly fascinated me: he once declared he would live to be 100 years old. He died at 97. Impressive in any era, but in 1839, the average life expectancy in America was 39. In today’s terms, that’s like living to 120. Sure, money helps, but I believe his longevity had as much to do with mindset as medicine.
Rockefeller lived with intention. Every letter he wrote was part of a larger philosophy. He didn’t believe in leaving things to chance. He believed in clarity, discipline, action, and faith. Here are some of the most powerful takeaways from his letters—and how they still apply today.
1. Starting Points Don’t Determine Endings
"Our destiny is determined by our actions, not by our origins."
Rockefeller grew up with almost nothing. His father was a conman who left the family. Yet, instead of using this as an excuse, he used it as fuel. He got his first job at 16 earning 50 cents a day and treated every cent like it mattered. In his letters, he reminds his son that character, not inheritance, defines a man.
Modern takeaway: No one controls where they begin. But everyone controls how they respond. Discipline is the great equalizer.
2. Luck Is a Byproduct of Preparation
"Everyone is an architect of his own destiny."
Rockefeller didn’t rely on luck. He made plans. He measured risk. He built systems. In one letter, he explains that opportunities don’t fall from the sky—they emerge when preparation meets possibility. If you’re ready, you won’t need luck.
Modern takeaway: Don’t wait for your big break. Build yourself into someone who’s always ready to seize it.
3. Do It Now
"Opportunity grows from opportunity."
Hesitation is the enemy. When Rockefeller saw an opportunity, he moved fast. He didn’t let fear get in the way of progress. This mindset allowed him to outmaneuver slower competitors time and again.
Modern takeaway: The best way to find your next opportunity is to take action on the one in front of you.
4. Compete, But Don’t War
"I do not go into war, but I destroy competitors."
He saw business not as battle, but as strategy. It wasn’t about brute force—it was about understanding leverage. Rockefeller used efficiency, relationships, and long-term thinking to dominate, not aggression.
Modern takeaway: Smart strategy beats loud hustle. Stay focused, play long-term games.
5. Spiritual Bankruptcy Is the Worst Kind
"Failure is a good thing—as long as it doesn’t become a habit."
Money wasn’t the most important currency to Rockefeller. Integrity was. He warned his son that the greatest failure wasn’t going broke—it was going hollow inside. You can lose money and rebuild. But lose your soul, and there’s no recovery.
Modern takeaway: Your work is only as strong as the values behind it.
6. Perseverance Is Everything
"Only giving up results in failure."
There’s a relentless tone in many of the letters. Rockefeller respected people who didn’t quit. In fact, he saw perseverance as more valuable than intelligence or talent.
Modern takeaway: The only real failure is the one where you stop trying.
7. Confidence Is the Foundation of Success
"Faith is gold."
Confidence wasn’t optional. It was the foundation. He believed that the level of your self-trust determined the height of your achievements. He urged his son to carry this belief quietly but firmly.
Modern takeaway: Self-doubt is expensive. Invest in your confidence the way you would your education.
8. Be True to Yourself
"I can deceive the enemy, but I will never deceive myself."
Self-honesty was sacred. Rockefeller admitted that it’s easy to lie to others—but the most dangerous lies are the ones you tell yourself. He urged his son to develop self-awareness and personal accountability.
Modern takeaway: Radical honesty with yourself is the first step toward growth.
9. Don’t Hand Out Crutches
"If you want to disable a person, give him a pair of crutches."
He was deeply against entitlement. Even as a billionaire, he made his children work, learn the value of money, and struggle with decisions. He believed easy paths led to weak minds.
Modern takeaway: Strength comes from struggle. If you want to help someone, empower them—not enable them.
10. Misfortune is a Gift
"People who have not experienced misfortune are unfortunate."
Rockefeller had seen downturns, losses, lawsuits, and scandals. But he viewed hardship as essential training. If you haven’t suffered, you haven’t been tested. And without tests, there’s no growth.
Modern takeaway: Don’t wish away difficulty. Let it teach you.
11 Excuses Are the Language of Failure
"Excuses are the source of failure."
Perhaps his most blunt message. No excuses. None. He didn’t tolerate them from others or himself. If something went wrong, the only response was: fix it.
Modern takeaway: Excuses feel good in the short-term but destroy progress in the long-term.
##Final Thoughts: Timeless Lessons From a Century Ago
I didn’t expect to be moved by a series of letters written by an oil tycoon from the 1800s. But I was. Not because he was rich—but because he was disciplined, principled, and ruthlessly intentional.
These letters aren’t just about business. They’re about becoming the kind of person who can lead, serve, grow, and withstand the pressures of the world. Whether you’re building a company, chasing a creative dream, or just trying to be better tomorrow than you were today—these principles apply.
J.D. Rockefeller wasn’t just teaching his son. He was leaving a blueprint for anyone willing to read, reflect, and apply.
And in a noisy world full of shortcuts, that kind of wisdom is priceless.
Thanks for reading. Now go create something amazing.
-P