Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
by Ron Chernow
Mentioned 2 times across 1 show · first heard Nov 2025 on My First Million.
The general take
Sam Parr found Titan interesting enough to read but didn't love it as much as another Ron Chernow biography he'd explored. He identified it as the book that moved the needle most for him among some options, though his enthusiasm was measured rather than enthusiastic.
About
National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist From the acclaimed, award-winning author of Alexander Hamilton : here is the essential, endlessly engrossing biography of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.—the Jekyll-and-Hyde of American capitalism. In the course of his nearly 98 years, Rockefeller was known as both a rapacious robber baron, whose Standard Oil Company rode roughshod over an industry, and a philanthropist who donated money lavishly to universities and medical centers. He was the terror of his competitors, the bogeyman of reformers, the delight of caricaturists—and an utter enigma. Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs his subjects’ troubled origins (his father was a swindler and a bigamist) and his single-minded pursuit of wealth.
Who said what
Sam Parr💬 Mentioned
…discussing ron chernow biographies lloyd has read
“Which one moved the needle for you most? For me, it was Titan. And I know you did a thing with Ron Chernow. Actually, I read Titan. I didn't love it as much as that.”
My First Million — How the Ex-Goldman CEO actually invests his own moneyat 46:26
Shaan Puri👍 Recommends
…praising ron chernow's biographical writing style and effort
“I think Ron Chernow is one of my favorite authors. He wrote Titan, which is the story of John Rockefeller. He wrote Hamilton, which became Hamilton. And he's written one of Mark Twain and a couple others. And it's these – they're biographies.”
My First Million — I Did Nothing For 2 Weeks. It Made Me Better At Everything.at 28:59
Listener reviews
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