Random Reminiscences of Men and Events

About the book

John D. Rockefeller assembles recollections of colleagues, business decisions, and philanthropy rather than attempting a continuous autobiography. Memories of associates lead into explanations of Standard Oil and the principles he believed supported successful organization. He stresses cooperation, careful judgment, and the contributions of other men, while responding to criticism of the business with which his name had become identified. Later chapters turn from acquiring money to distributing it, treating charitable work as another field requiring coordination and considered decisions. The informal anecdotes serve a deliberate public argument: Rockefeller wants disputed events and relationships seen from his perspective. That purpose makes the book revealing both as a record of business thinking and as an effort to shape reputation.

• Business organization
• Philanthropy
• Public reputation

Why read it

Read it for a concise account of how Rockefeller defended cooperation, concentrated enterprise, and organized giving.

English text