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On His Own Terms
A Life of Nelson Rockefeller
On His Own Terms (2014) tells the remarkable life story of Nelson Rockefeller, who used his family’s notoriety and wealth to change the world for the better. These blinks walk you through Nelson’s life, from his involvement in the family oil business to his extended career in politics.
- Students of history and politics
- Readers who love a good biography
Richard Norton Smith is a critically acclaimed biographer and frequent contributor to both PBS and ABC News. He has served as director for a number of presidential libraries, including those dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower.
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On His Own Terms
A Life of Nelson Rockefeller
- Read in 25 minutes
- Audio & text available
- Contains 16 key ideas
Synopsis
On His Own Terms (2014) tells the remarkable life story of Nelson Rockefeller, who used his family’s notoriety and wealth to change the world for the better. These blinks walk you through Nelson’s life, from his involvement in the family oil business to his extended career in politics.
Key idea 1 of 16
Nelson Rockefeller was born into an extraordinarily wealthy family, but experienced his share of struggles as well.
You’ve likely heard of John D. Rockefeller Sr., the famous American oil tycoon and often considered the wealthiest person in modern history. But have you heard the name Nelson Rockefeller?
Born on July 8th, 1909, the third child of Abby and John D. Rockefeller Jr., Nelson was the grandson of John Sr. who, along with his brother, William Avery Rockefeller Jr., founded Standard Oil, one of the largest oil companies in the world.
William Avery Rockefeller Sr., Nelson’s great-grandfather, was a scoundrel and a con man. He earned a living by traveling the country peddling fake pharmaceuticals, a practice that earned him the nickname “Devil Bill.”
But Nelson’s father, John D. Rockefeller Jr., took a different tack, spending much of his life, and the family’s money, on philanthropic projects. He passed this passion onto his children, and Nelson, in particular, would inherit his father’s devotion to improving the world. But Nelson had another thing going for him: the creative business instincts of generations of Rockefellers before him.
While he came from a very privileged background, Nelson’s life was not always one of ease and comfort. He struggled with a learning disability that would affect him until his death.
While growing up, it became clear that Nelson suffered from dyslexia, which made his schoolwork extremely difficult. Fortunately, he had a team of fantastic tutors and was enrolled in the Lincoln School, a progressive educational institution that let students build their own courses and learn by doing. For instance, if a child was obsessed with boating, they could use their passion to learn about geography, history, music and literature.
It was as a result of this supportive environment that Nelson managed to make his way through school, excelling in math, science and biology. He also proved to have boundless energy and an attention-seeking personality.
While his disability left him with grades that were just average, his marks were still good enough to get him into Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. There he earned the lifelong nickname “Rocky” and developed his passions for photography, art and architecture.
Key ideas in this title
- Nelson Rockefeller was born into an extraordinarily wealthy family, but experienced his share of struggles as well.
- Rockefeller applied his passion for art to his work at MOMA and the Rockefeller Center.
- An ambitious South American project landed Nelson his first job in politics.
- Nelson’s status in Washington rose as the United States entered World War II and the United Nations was formed.
- After the war, Nelson combined his knack for business with his passion for overseas economic development.
- After helping bring the UN to New York City, Nelson jumped back into politics with a position in the Truman administration.
- During the Cold War, Nelson faced Republican opposition but made a lasting impression through a key research project.
- Nelson became governor of New York and, if not for pushback from the Republican establishment, might have been president.
- Nelson faced the deaths of many people close to him, a scandalous divorce and the tragic loss of his son.
- In another race for president, Nelson faced the immense challenge of political extremism.
- As governor of New York, Nelson made many notable and enduring changes.
- Nelson had serious trouble working with NYC mayor John Lindsay but found ways to get along with President Richard Nixon.
- During his final term, Nelson lost much of his political goodwill through a few bad moves.
- As vice president, a frustrated Nelson Rockefeller clashed with Gerald Ford’s staff and Republican Party leaders.
- Nelson Rockefeller’s death was a strange and controversial affair.
- Final summary
