Who S The Richest Man That Ever Lived

Who's the Richest Man That Ever Lived? Unraveling the Mysteries of Extreme Wealth Throughout History

Ever wondered who holds the title of the richest person to ever walk the earth? Forget modern billionaires; we're diving deep into history to uncover the individuals who amassed unimaginable fortunes, often in drastically different economic landscapes. This isn't just a simple "top 10 list"; we'll explore the complexities of measuring wealth across millennia, analyzing various contenders, and ultimately, revealing why pinpointing the single "richest" is a surprisingly challenging – yet fascinating – endeavor. This post delves into the methodologies used to estimate historical wealth, profiles key candidates, and explores the factors contributing to their extraordinary accumulation of riches.

The Challenges of Measuring Historical Wealth

Before we delve into potential candidates, it's crucial to understand the inherent difficulties in comparing wealth across vastly different eras. Simply converting ancient currencies to modern equivalents is insufficient. Consider these factors:

Fluctuating Currency Values: The purchasing power of a Roman denarius, a Ming dynasty silver ingot, or a 19th-century gold sovereign varies drastically compared to the US dollar today. Inflation, currency debasement, and economic shifts make direct comparisons nearly impossible.
Asset Valuation: How do you accurately value land ownership in a feudal society compared to modern stocks and bonds? The nature of assets themselves changes drastically over time, making direct comparisons problematic. Ancient rulers owned vast tracts of land, but the value of that land is highly dependent on the productivity of the land and its strategic value at that time.
Unrecorded Wealth: Many historical figures' wealth was likely undocumented or underreported. Tax systems and record-keeping were far less sophisticated than today, leading to significant gaps in our knowledge. Tax evasion was, and remains, a significant challenge in accurately assessing total wealth.
Informal Economy: A large portion of historical economies operated outside formal systems. Bartering, informal trade, and the lack of standardized accounting practices make it extremely difficult to get a complete picture of an individual's total wealth.

Contenders for the Title: A Look at the Leading Candidates

Several names consistently emerge when discussing the richest people in history:

1. Mansa Musa I of Mali (1280-1337): This medieval African emperor is often cited as a strong contender. His empire controlled significant gold reserves, which fueled his immense wealth. Accounts of his lavish pilgrimage to Mecca, where he reportedly distributed so much gold that it devalued the currency, have solidified his legendary status. However, quantifying his wealth precisely is challenging due to the lack of detailed financial records.

2. Genghis Khan (1162-1227): The founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire commanded a vast territory and accumulated immense riches through conquest and tribute. His empire spanned across Asia, controlling numerous trade routes and generating significant wealth from taxes and plunder. Again, quantifying his wealth remains problematic due to the decentralized nature of his empire and limited record-keeping.

3. Emperor Akbar I (1542-1605): The Mughal emperor ruled a vast empire encompassing much of the Indian subcontinent. His wealth was derived from taxes, trade, and control over crucial resources. The Mughal empire's economic power was considerable, but precise figures about Akbar's personal wealth remain elusive.

4. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919): Moving to the more recent past, Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist, amassed a fortune through the steel industry. His wealth is better documented than many historical figures, but even then, precisely calculating his net worth in today's terms presents challenges.

5. John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937): Another titan of industry, Rockefeller's dominance of the oil industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries made him one of the wealthiest Americans ever. His wealth is relatively well-documented, allowing for better estimations compared to historical figures.

The Methodology of Estimation: A Complex Undertaking

Estimating the wealth of historical figures requires a multi-faceted approach, blending historical research, economic modeling, and careful consideration of the limitations discussed earlier. Researchers often:

Analyze historical records: This involves studying tax records, trade documents, accounts of wealth, and descriptions of lavish expenditures.
Estimate asset values: This includes assessing the value of land, resources, and other assets in their historical context, adjusting for inflation and changes in economic conditions.
Apply economic modeling: This involves constructing models to simulate economic activity in past eras, allowing researchers to extrapolate possible wealth levels.
Acknowledge limitations: Researchers must acknowledge and transparently address the inherent uncertainties and biases present in their estimations.

Conclusion: A Question Without a Definitive Answer

Ultimately, determining the single "richest man who ever lived" is an inherently complex question without a definitive answer. While some figures, like Mansa Musa or John D. Rockefeller, have stronger claims based on available evidence and the relative ease of calculating their wealth, the inherent challenges in comparing wealth across vastly different historical contexts prevent a conclusive determination. The exercise of exploring these historical figures and the methodologies used to estimate their wealth, however, offers invaluable insights into the evolution of wealth accumulation, economic systems, and the complexities of power throughout history.

Article Outline: Who's the Richest Man That Ever Lived?

I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview of the complexities of the topic.

II. The Challenges of Measuring Historical Wealth: Discussing the difficulties in comparing wealth across different eras. (Currency fluctuations, asset valuation, unrecorded wealth, informal economy)

III. Contenders for the Title: A Look at the Leading Candidates: Profiling key historical figures, including Mansa Musa I, Genghis Khan, Emperor Akbar I, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller.

IV. The Methodology of Estimation: A Complex Undertaking: Explaining the research methods used to estimate historical wealth. (Historical records, asset valuation, economic modeling, limitations)

V. Conclusion: Summarizing the challenges and concluding that a definitive answer is unattainable but highlighting the valuable insights gained from the exploration.


(The detailed explanation of each point is already incorporated into the main article above.)

FAQs

1. Why is it so difficult to determine the richest person ever? It's challenging due to fluctuating currency values, varying asset types across eras, incomplete historical records, and the prevalence of informal economies throughout history.

2. What makes Mansa Musa a strong contender for the title? His control over vast gold reserves in the Mali Empire and accounts of his lavish spending during his pilgrimage to Mecca make him a prominent candidate.

3. How do researchers estimate the wealth of historical figures? They analyze historical records, estimate asset values adjusting for inflation, use economic modeling, and transparently acknowledge inherent limitations.

4. What is the role of inflation in assessing historical wealth? Inflation significantly alters the purchasing power of money over time, making direct currency conversions inaccurate and requiring adjustments in estimates.

5. Why are assets like land difficult to value across different eras? Land value depends on factors like productivity, strategic location, and prevailing economic conditions, which vary greatly over time.

6. How much wealth did Genghis Khan accumulate? Precise figures are unavailable, but his empire's vast size and control over trade routes suggest extraordinary wealth accumulation through tribute and conquest.

7. How does the informal economy complicate wealth estimation? The informal economy operates outside official record-keeping, making a complete accounting of an individual's total wealth impossible.

8. What are some of the limitations of using economic modeling to estimate historical wealth? Economic models rely on assumptions and estimations, which can introduce uncertainties and biases into the results.

9. Why is comparing the wealth of Andrew Carnegie to Mansa Musa challenging? Besides the temporal gap, the types of assets and economic systems they operated within are fundamentally different, making direct comparison problematic.

Related Articles:

1. The Economic Impact of the Mongol Empire: Explores the Mongol Empire's influence on trade and economic development in Eurasia.

2. Mansa Musa's Reign and its Legacy: A detailed study of Mansa Musa's rule and his lasting impact on the Mali Empire.

3. The Rise and Fall of the Mughal Empire: Examines the economic factors contributing to the Mughal Empire's rise and eventual decline.

4. Andrew Carnegie's Philanthropy and its Impact: An analysis of Carnegie's significant contributions to philanthropy and its long-term effects.

5. John D. Rockefeller: Building an Oil Empire: Details the strategies and tactics Rockefeller employed to build his oil empire.

6. The Economics of the Roman Empire: A study of the Roman economy, including currency, trade, and wealth distribution.

7. Measuring Wealth in the Medieval Period: Explores the difficulties of assessing wealth in the medieval era and the methods historians use.

8. The Impact of Colonialism on Global Wealth Distribution: Examines how colonialism shaped global wealth distribution and its lasting consequences.

9. The World's Richest People Today: A Comparative Analysis: Compares the wealth of contemporary billionaires to historical figures.


  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived Greg Steinmetz, 2015-08-04 “A colorful introduction to one of the most influential businessmen in history” (The New York Times Book Review), Jacob Fugger—the Renaissance banker “who wrote the playbook for everyone who keeps score with money” (Bryan Burrough, author of Days of Rage). In the days when Columbus sailed the ocean and Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, a German banker named Jacob Fugger became the richest man in history. Fugger lived in Germany at the turn of the sixteenth century, the grandson of a peasant. By the time he died, his fortune amounted to nearly two percent of European GDP. In an era when kings had unlimited power, Fugger dared to stare down heads of state and ask them to pay back their loans—with interest. It was this coolness and self-assurance, along with his inexhaustible ambition, that made him not only the richest man ever, but a force of history as well. Before Fugger came along it was illegal under church law to charge interest on loans, but he got the Pope to change that. He also helped trigger the Reformation and likely funded Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe. His creation of a news service gave him an information edge over his rivals and customers and earned Fugger a footnote in the history of journalism. And he took Austria’s Habsburg family from being second-tier sovereigns to rulers of the first empire where the sun never set. “Enjoyable…readable and fast-paced” (The Wall Street Journal), The Richest Man Who Ever Lived is more than a tale about the most influential businessman of all time. It is a story about palace intrigue, knights in battle, family tragedy and triumph, and a violent clash between the one percent and everybody else. “The tale of Fugger’s aspiration, ruthlessness, and greed is riveting” (The Economist).
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived Steven K. Scott, 2006-02-21 In this short, powerful book, multimillionaire and bestselling author Steven K. Scott reveals King Solomon’s breakthrough strategies to achieve a life of financial success and personal fulfillment. Steve Scott flunked out of every job he held in his first six years after college. He couldn’t succeed no matter how hard he tried. Then Dr. Gary Smalley challenged him to study the book of Proverbs, promising that in doing so he would achieve greater success and happiness than he had ever known. That promise came true, making Scott a millionaire many times over. In The Richest Man Who Ever Lived, Scott reveals Solomon’s key for winning every race, explains how to resolve conflicts and turn enemies into allies, and discloses the five qualities essential to becoming a valued and admired person at work and in your personal life. Scott illustrates each of Solomon’s insights and strategies with anecdotes about his personal successes and failures, as well as those of such extraordinary people as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Steven Spielberg. At once inspiring and instructive, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived weaves the timeless truths of one of our greatest works of literature into a detailed roadmap for successful living today.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Wisest And Richest Man Who Ever Lived George K., 2017-09-21 A Proven, Step-By-Step Method To Become Prosperous, Successful and Happy Everybody wants to be Rich and Wealthy with lot of options in life to choose but unfortunately not everyone gets to enjoy the wonderful life we all desire. There are numerous reason for failing in life which cannot be explained. In Old Testament Bible mentions about the richest and wisest man who ever lived. He was King Solomon, By following his strategy we can become more prudent and wealthy. King Solomon has written more than 3000 Proverbs and part of his proverbs are in Bible. Following the proverbs mentioned in the bible gives us more wisdom and key to become rich. This book will help you to unlock your potential based on Ancient Wisdom Followed by Richest and Wisest man Who ever lived.You might have tried your best in the past to become rich and prosperous but were not successful. But the truth is you are unable succeed because of lack of effective strategy. This book goes into step-by-step strategy that will help you become successful and prosperous. And also will help you to take control of your life. Once you apply the principles in this book you won't feel the embarrassment, self-pity and depression because of the past instead you will feel calm, confident, free and happy. You're well on your way to becoming successful, Prosperous, and happy for life! Here Is A Preview Of What You'll Learn... Chapter 1: POWER OF MAKING FIRM DECISIONS Chapter 2: CREATING YOUR NICHE TO SUCCESS Chapter 3: BUILDING YOUR EMPIRE Chapter 4: BEING ORGANIZED Much, much more! Purchase your copy today!Take action right away to Become Successful, Prosperous and Lead a Happy Life by purchasing this book The Wisest And Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon's Biblical Principles To Success, Prosperity And Happiness.Tags: Wealth, Success, Prosperity, Prosperous, Unlock Your Potential, Key to Success, Become Wealthy, Biblical Principles, King Solomon, King Solomon's Secret, Proverbs, Financial Freedom, Money, Bible, Old Testament..
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Secrets Of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived Mike Murdock, 2012-09 Carefully Researched, This Powerful Teaching Unlocks Solomon's 31 Secrets of Success. 9 Success Keys For Negotiation / 10 Qualities of Uncommon Achievers / 7 Keys In Getting Along With Others. This Book Can Remove Mental Blocks To Your Success. The Perfect Gift! Also Available In Spanish #SB-99 Los Secretos Del Hombre M s Rico Que Ha Existido Also Available In Portuguese #PB-99 Os Segredos Do Homem Mais Rico do Mundo
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived Steven K. Scott, 2012-02-28 Turn your purpose-driven life into a mission-accomplished life Jesus was the only person in history who did everything right—not only in saving the world but also in daily life. He brought significance into everything he did, and by following his example we can learn to live the same way. Jesus was the greatest leader and the most influential person ever. His manner and methods will show you how to accomplish every mission you pursue and how to succeed in ways that honor God. Jesus’ life gives you a model for success with significance that never has been equaled. The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived shows you: • How to break through barriers that block your success at work and prevent relational peace at home. • How to fuel growth in the most important areas of life by following Jesus’ example in your decisions, actions, and priorities. • How to use adversity and opposition as springboards for even greater achievement. Let Steven K. Scott introduce you to the greatest Man who ever lived. No matter what your title or position, following the practices and principles Jesus lived by will elevate your performance to unparalleled heights. NOW INCLUDES A GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Mans Musa Bunmi Oyinsan, PhD, 2020-06-19 Every new generation of children should be enthralled by stories of famous people from their history. The legends of Africa series are fictionalized stories about real legends of Africa from the continent and the African diaspora. This is the story of Mansa Musa, written in easy to read texts which can be read to young children. Older children will also enjoy this story because they are easy to read and understand. It is the fictionalized story of one of the greatest rulers of the Mali Empire. Under Mansa Musa, Mali became a wealthy nation . Mansa Musa is also believed to be the richest man who ever lived.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Solomon Secret Bruce Fleet, 2009-09-03 Using Solomon's life and teachings as a foundation, Bruce Fleet offers today's readers a unique, well-grounded, proven method of wise investing. Solomon was more than just a character in the Bible-he was the richest man who ever lived. If we could learn from him directly, what would he teach us about growth in riches and knowledge? And how can we relate his life and wisdom to the society and successful financial planning of our contemporary world? Bruce Fleet's The Solomon Secret brings together instructional parables highlighting the wisdom of history's wealthiest man, with practical and sound financial advice for twenty- first-century readers. In the bestselling tradition of The Richest Man in Babylon, The Solomon Secret follows King Solomon as he mentors his young protégé, Abidan, on the seven basic principles of life and their influence on financial success. Each of these parables illustrates a key principle that Abidan must discover before he can garner more wealth and happiness, and is then followed by Fleet's masterful application of these principles to the reader's life and to the most urgent and essential financial questions of our time. Fleet, a successful financial adviser and owner of a large investment firm, draws from the time-honored and historically proven wisdom of the life of the ancient king to offer-through the siphon of his own talent and perspective-the very best in financial strategies for today's challenging economic climate. An accessible and effective mix of teaching stories with powerful financial lessons, The Solomon Secret is a highly readable, informative guide to becoming wealthy and wise.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Richest Man in the World James Bartholomew, 1989
  who s the richest man that ever lived: John D. Rockefeller Michael W. Simmons, 2017-04-26 John D. Rockefeller is held to be one of the wealthiest men who ever lived; he is also one of the most controversial figures in American history. Born of the unlikely union between a strict Baptist matriarch and her husband, a bigamist, alleged rapist, and snake-oil salesman, Rockefeller's early childhood was spent learning how to shoulder an adult's responsibility for his family and turn a deaf ear to the gossip that followed wherever his father went. This book contains highlights from the extraordinarily long life of a man many believed to be little better than a criminal, preying on small business owners to establish the supremacy of the Standard Oil Trust. John D. Rockefeller crushed his competitors and sparked massive public outrage against his businesses. Yet he also saved thousands of lives and helped establish respect for evidence-based medicine in the United States. From his teen years as a bookkeeper in a small commodities trading firm, to his imperial rule over the oil industry, to his early retirement and the decades he spent establishing philanthropic trusts in the fields of education and medicine, you will learn that there is no simple way to pass judgment on John D. Rockefeller's life.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Andrew Carnegie Speaks to the 1% Andrew Carnegie, 2016-04-14 Before the 99% occupied Wall Street... Before the concept of social justice had impinged on the social conscience... Before the social safety net had even been conceived... By the turn of the 20th Century, the era of the robber barons, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) had already accumulated a staggeringly large fortune; he was one of the wealthiest people on the globe. He guaranteed his position as one of the wealthiest men ever when he sold his steel business to create the United States Steel Corporation. Following that sale, he spent his last 18 years, he gave away nearly 90% of his fortune to charities, foundations, and universities. His charitable efforts actually started far earlier. At the age of 33, he wrote a memo to himself, noting ...The amassing of wealth is one of the worse species of idolatry. No idol more debasing than the worship of money. In 1881, he gave a library to his hometown of Dunfermline, Scotland. In 1889, he spelled out his belief that the rich should use their wealth to help enrich society, in an article called The Gospel of Wealth this book. Carnegie writes that the best way of dealing with wealth inequality is for the wealthy to redistribute their surplus means in a responsible and thoughtful manner, arguing that surplus wealth produces the greatest net benefit to society when it is administered carefully by the wealthy. He also argues against extravagance, irresponsible spending, or self-indulgence, instead promoting the administration of capital during one's lifetime toward the cause of reducing the stratification between the rich and poor. Though written more than a century ago, Carnegie's words still ring true today, urging a better, more equitable world through greater social consciousness.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Greatest Words Ever Spoken Steven K. Scott, 2008-09-16 Every Word of Jesus Right at Your Fingertips Haven’t you wished you could ask Jesus any question and get his immediate help with the biggest problems you face? Now you can. For the first time ever, all of the statements Jesus made in the New Testament have been brought together and organized under more than 200 topics. When you want to know his will in a specific area of life, or you’re seeking the answer to a perplexing question, or you are desperate for his encouragement, comfort, or wisdom–you can easily find the help you need. The moment you turn to the appropriate topic heading, you will have access to the breadth of Jesus’ teaching on that subject. You can also use this book as a guide for studying Jesus’ wisdom on any topic of interest, such as prayer, forgiveness, eternity, anger, temptation, relationships, grace, or knowing God. As you immerse yourself in Jesus’ words, your life and relationships will be transformed, and your faith and spiritual passion will be renewed. Let the greatest words ever spoken bring new vision, power, and joy into your life–one statement at a time.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Final Justice Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith, 1993 Story of Cullen Davis who believed money could buy anything, and his trial for murdering his twelve year old stepdaughter.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Fuggers of Augsburg Mark Häberlein, 2012-03-19 As the wealthiest German merchant family of the sixteenth century, the Fuggers have attracted wide scholarly attention. In contrast to the other famous merchant family of the period, the Medici of Florence, however, no English-language work on them has been available until now. The Fuggers of Augsburg offers a concise and engaging overview that builds on the latest scholarly literature and the author’s own work on sixteenth-century merchant capitalism. Mark Häberlein traces the history of the family from the weaver Hans Fugger’s immigration to the imperial city of Augsburg in 1367 to the end of the Thirty Years’ War in 1648. Because the Fuggers’ extensive business activities involved long-distance trade, mining, state finance, and overseas ventures, the family exemplifies the meanings of globalization at the beginning of the modern age. The book also covers the political, social, and cultural roles of the Fuggers: their patronage of Renaissance artists, the founding of the largest social housing project of its time, their support of Catholicism in a city that largely turned Protestant during the Reformation, and their rise from urban merchants to imperial counts and feudal lords. Häberlein argues that the Fuggers organized their social rise in a way that allowed them to be merchants and feudal landholders, burghers and noblemen at the same time. Their story therefore provides a window on social mobility, cultural patronage, religion, and values during the Renaissance and the Reformation.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Men of Wealth John T. Flynn, 1941
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived Greg Steinmetz, 2015-08-04 In the days when Columbus sailed the ocean and Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, a German banker named Jacob Fugger became the richest man in history. Fugger lived in Germany at the turn of the sixteenth century, the grandson of a peasant. By the time he died, his fortune amounted to nearly two percent of European GDP. In an era when kings had unlimited power, Fugger dared to stare down heads of state and ask them to pay back their loans--with interest. It was this coolness and self-assurance, along with his inexhaustible ambition, that made him not only the richest man ever, but a force of history as well. Before Fugger came along it was illegal under church law to charge interest on loans, but he got the Pope to change that. He also helped trigger the Reformation and likely funded Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe. His creation of a news service gave him an information edge over his rivals and customers and earned Fugger a footnote in the history of journalism. And he took Austria’s Habsburg family from being second-tier sovereigns to rulers of the first empire where the sun never set.--Provided by publisher.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Richest Man in Town V. J. Smith, 2016-04-12
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Wealthy 100 Michael M. Klepper, Robert E. Gunther, 1996 In America, while all men and women may be created equal, they do not all end up that way. This book ranks an elite group: the richest Americans in American history. The Wealthy 100 offers intimate, often surprising portraits of these individuals and how they amassed their fortunes. The rankings are based on estimated total wealth at the time of death - or a given year for current living Americans - as a percentage of the Gross National Product (GNP) in current dollars for that year. This allows the authors to compare the fortunes of people from different centuries.--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time Kathleen Bickford Berzock, 2019-02-26 Issued in conjunction with the exhibition Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time, held January 26, 2019-July 21, 2019, Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Archaeologies of the Middle East Susan Pollock, Reinhard Bernbeck, 2009-02-09 Archaeologies of the Middle East provides an innovative introduction to the archaeology of this fascinating region and a window on both its past and present. Written by some of the top archaeologists of the Middle East: scholars from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of interests and intellectual approaches Coverage spans 100,000 years: from the Paleolithic to Hellenistic times Explores the connections between modern-day politics and the social context of archaeological practice and various underutilized approaches to archaeological interpretation Designed for student use
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Mentored by a Millionaire Steven K. Scott, 2010-12-07 Unlike any book youve ever read, Mentored by a Millionaire is made up of fifteen mentoring sessions in which you will be mentored in the strategies, skills, and techniques used by super achievers who have become the worlds most successful men and women. You will be mentored in these sessions by Steve Scott, a man who has not only made millions himself, but has helped dozens of others make millions as well.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Mansa Musa Mike McCraw, 2016-09-05 Ruler, scholar, statesman, and devout man of faith; Mansa Musa was a 14th century African emperor who reigned over the Mali Empire from 1312 to 1337. Learn of his accomplishments as king and how he came to be recognized as the richest man in history.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The History of the Standard Oil Company Ida Minerva Tarbell, 2020-09-28 One of the busiest corners of the globe at the opening of the year 1872 was a strip of Northwestern Pennsylvania, not over fifty miles long, known the world over as the Oil Regions. Twelve years before this strip of land had been but little better than a wilderness; its chief inhabitants the lumbermen, who every season cut great swaths of primeval pine and hemlock from its hills, and in the spring floated them down the Allegheny River to Pittsburg. The great tides of Western emigration had shunned the spot for years as too rugged and unfriendly for settlement, and yet in twelve years this region avoided by men had been transformed into a bustling trade centre, where towns elbowed each other for place, into which three great trunk railroads had built branches, and every foot of whose soil was fought for by capitalists. It was the discovery and development of a new raw product, petroleum, which had made this change from wilderness to market-place. This product in twelve years had not only peopled a waste place of the earth, it had revolutionised the world’s methods of illumination and added millions upon millions of dollars to the wealth of the United States. Petroleum as a curiosity, and indeed in a small way as an article of commerce, was no new thing when its discovery in quantities called the attention of the world to this corner of Northwestern Pennsylvania. The journals of many an early explorer of the valleys of the Allegheny and its tributaries tell of springs and streams the surfaces of which were found covered with a thick oily substance which burned fiercely when ignited and which the Indians believed to have curative properties. As the country was opened, more and more was heard of these oil springs. Certain streams came to be named from the quantities of the substance found on the surface of the water, as “Oil Creek” in Northwestern Pennsylvania, “Old Greasy” or Kanawha in West Virginia. The belief in the substance as a cure-all increased as time went on and in various parts of the country it was regularly skimmed from the surface of the water as cream from a pan, or soaked up by woollen blankets, bottled, and peddled as a medicine for man and beast. Up to the beginning of the 19th century no oil seems to have been obtained except from the surfaces of springs and streams. That it was to be found far below the surface of the earth was discovered independently at various points in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania by persons drilling for salt-water to be used in manufacturing salt. Not infrequently the water they found was mixed with a dark-green, evil-smelling substance which was recognised as identical with the well-known “rock-oil.” It was necessary to rid the water of this before it could be used for salt, and in many places cisterns were devised in which the brine was allowed to stand until the oil had risen to the surface. It was then run into the streams or on the ground. This practice was soon discovered to be dangerous, so easily did the oil ignite. In several places, particularly in Kentucky, so much oil was obtained with the salt-water that the wells had to be abandoned. Certain of these deserted salt wells were opened years after, when it was found that the troublesome substance which had made them useless was far more valuable than the brine the original drillers sought.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Reading Revelation Responsibly Michael J. Gorman, 2011-01-01 Reading Revelation Responsibly is for those who are confused by, afraid of, and/or preoccupied with the book of Revelation. In rescuing the Apocalypse from those who either completely misinterpret it or completely ignore it, Michael Gorman has given us both a guide to reading Revelation in a responsible way and a theological engagement with the text itself. He takes interpreting the book as a serious and sacred responsibility, believing how one reads, teaches, and preaches Revelation can have a powerful impact on one's own--and other people's--well-being. Gorman pays careful attention to the book's original historical and literary contexts, its connections to the rest of Scripture, its relationship to Christian doctrine and practice, and its potential to help or harm people in their life of faith. Rather than a script for the end times, Gorman demonstrates how Revelation is a script for Christian worship, witness, and mission that runs counter to culturally embedded civil religion.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Days of Rage Bryan Burrough, 2016-04-05 The Weathermen. The Symbionese Liberation Army. The FALN. The Black Liberation Army. The names seem quaint now, but there was a stretch of time in America when there was on average more than one significant terrorist act in the U.S. every week. The FBI combated these groups and others as nodes in a single revolutionary underground, dedicated to the violent overthrow of the American government. Thus began a decade-long battle between the FBI and these homegrown terrorists, compellingly and thrillingly documented in Days of Rage.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Simple Steps to Impossible Dreams Steven K. Scott, 1999-04-28 Helps readers define their most important goals, pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, and use their newly acquired insights to make the impossible real.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Nine Steps to Financial Freedom Suze Orman, 2000 Suze Orman has transformed the concept of personal finance for millions by teaching us how to gain control of our money -- so that money does not control us. She goes beyond the nuts and bolts of managing money to explore the psychological, even spiritual power money has in our lives. The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is the first personal finance book that gives you not only the knowledge of how to handle money, but also the will to break through all the barriers that hold you back. Combining real-life recommendations with the motivation to overcome financial anxieties, Suze Orman offers the keys to providing for yourself and your family, including: * seeing how your past holds the key to your financial future * facing your fears and creating new truths * trusting yourself more than you trust others * being open to receiving all that you are meant to have * understanding the lessons of the money cycle The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom is useful advice and inspiration from the leading voice in personal finance. As Orman shows, managing money is far more than a matter of balancing your checkbook or picking the right investments. It's about redefining financial freedom -- and realizing that you are worth far more than your money.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Fish That Ate the Whale Rich Cohen, 2012-06-05 Named a Best Book of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle and The Times-Picayune The fascinating untold tale of Samuel Zemurray, the self-made banana mogul who went from penniless roadside banana peddler to kingmaker and capitalist revolutionary When Samuel Zemurray arrived in America in 1891, he was tall, gangly, and penniless. When he died in the grandest house in New Orleans sixty-nine years later, he was among the richest, most powerful men in the world. Working his way up from a roadside fruit peddler to conquering the United Fruit Company, Zemurray became a symbol of the best and worst of the United States: proof that America is the land of opportunity, but also a classic example of the corporate pirate who treats foreign nations as the backdrop for his adventures. Zemurray lived one of the great untold stories of the last hundred years. Starting with nothing but a cart of freckled bananas, he built a sprawling empire of banana cowboys, mercenary soldiers, Honduran peasants, CIA agents, and American statesmen. From hustling on the docks of New Orleans to overthrowing Central American governments and precipitating the bloody thirty-six-year Guatemalan civil war, the Banana Man lived a monumental and sometimes dastardly life. Rich Cohen's brilliant historical profile The Fish That Ate the Whale unveils Zemurray as a hidden power broker, driven by an indomitable will to succeed.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Forgotten Depression James Grant, 2014 By the publisher of the prestigious Grant's Interest Rate Observer, an account of the deep economic slump of 1920-21 that proposes, with respect to federal intervention, less is more. This is a free-market rejoinder to the Keynesian stimulus applied by Bush and Obama to the 2007-09 recession, in whose aftereffects, Grant asserts, the nation still toils. James Grant tells the story of America's last governmentally-untreated depression; relatively brief and self-correcting, it gave way to the Roaring Twenties. His book appears in the fifth year of a lackluster recovery from the overmedicated downturn of 2007-2009. In 1920-21, Woodrow Wilson and Warren G. Harding met a deep economic slump by seeming to ignore it, implementing policies that most twenty-first century economists would call backward. Confronted with plunging prices, wages, and employment, the government balanced the budget and, through the Federal Reserve, raised interest rates. No stimulus was administered, and a powerful, job-filled recovery was under way by late in 1921. In 1929, the economy once again slumped--and kept right on slumping as the Hoover administration adopted the very policies that Wilson and Harding had declined to put in place. Grant argues that well-intended federal intervention, notably the White House-led campaign to prop up industrial wages, helped to turn a bad recession into America's worst depression. He offers the experience of the earlier depression for lessons for today and the future. This is a powerful response to the prevailing notion of how to fight recession. The enterprise system is more resilient than even its friends give it credit for being, Grant demonstrates--
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Mansa Musa The Richest African King King Ki'el, 2020-05-10 Urbantoons The King Of Mali, is a story about the rise of a young African boy named Musa, who grew up humbly in the Mali Empire under the King Sundiata. Groomed to a royal guard for the king, Musa had a bigger dream. His dream was bigger and he lived to be richest king to ever live. Loosely Based on a true story. This is a great book for young boys for confidence building, overcoming obstacles, and reaching your goals.Urbantoons, The King Of Mali is 50 beautifully illustrated pages with bright and dazzling colors. It will strike the childs imagination and create the ultimate reading experience.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Celebrated Pedestrian and Other Historical Curiosities BBC History Magazine, 2013-11-30 Who is the Downing of Downing Street? What did the first illuminated adverts in Piccadilly Circus advertise? Was Oliver Cromwell actually Welsh? Questions like these and many more are answered in this, the first ever miscellany from the editors of BBC History Magazine. The Celebrated Pedestrian - the title refers to people in Victorian times who walked for sport - collects a wide variety of historical facts and curiosities, helping to uncover little-known truths (Who was the richest man who ever lived?) and debunk myths (Was there one man who survived both the sinkings of the Titanic and the Lusitania?) from ancient times to the present day. Also including a collection of fascinating lists (Top 10 famous riots! Top 10 writers who were banned by the Vatican!) and 'This Day in History' features, The Celebrated Pedestrian is the perfect gift for trivia fans and history buffs alike.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Sally's Baking Addiction Sally McKenney, 2016-10-11 Updated with a brand-new selection of desserts and treats, the fully illustrated Sally's Baking Addiction cookbook offers more than 80 scrumptious recipes for indulging your sweet tooth—featuring a chapter of healthier dessert options, including some vegan and gluten-free recipes. It's no secret that Sally McKenney loves to bake. Her popular blog, Sally's Baking Addiction, has become a trusted source for fellow dessert lovers who are also eager to bake from scratch. Sally's famous recipes include award-winning Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies, No-Bake Peanut Butter Banana Pie, delectable Dark Chocolate Butterscotch Cupcakes, and yummy Marshmallow Swirl S'mores Fudge. Find tried-and-true sweet recipes for all kinds of delicious: Breads & Muffins Breakfasts Brownies & Bars Cakes, Pies & Crisps Candy & Sweet Snacks Cookies Cupcakes Healthier Choices With tons of simple, easy-to-follow recipes, you get all of the sweet with none of the fuss! Hungry for more? Learn to create even more irresistible sweets with Sally’s Candy Addiction and Sally’s Cookie Addiction.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Jesus Mission Steven K. Scott, 2011 Top-selling author Scott returns with his third blockbuster book on Jesus. This time, he shows readers exactly what Jesus wants from their lives. Christ completed 27 missions while on Earth; now readers can take up the four he assigned to them.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Richest Man in Babylon in Action George S. Clason, Nightingale Conant Learning System, 2019-04-10 LESSONS IN FINANCIAL WISDOM This timeless classic by George Samuel Clason is beloved by millions around the world. It holds the key to all you desire and everything that you wish to accomplish. This collection of parables, set in ancient Babylon, takes you through simple lessons in financial wisdom. Originally a series of pamphlets distributed by banks and insurance companies, they were bound together and published in book form in 1926. They dispensed financial advise through the character’s experiences in business and household finance. The Richest Man in Babylon in Action combines the sound financial foundation of ancient Babylon with the real-world application for today, going beyond the simple tale of the original classic. Upon reading, you’ll immediately know how to best use Clason’s absolute principles and apply them in today’s economy with modern investment tools and today’s monetary habits. GEORGE SAMUEL CLASON was an American author. He is most associated with his book The Richest Man in Babylon which was first published in 1926 and was a compilation of a series of informational pamphlets about being thrifty and how to achieve financial success.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Richest Man in Babylon George S. Clason, 2022-01-01 Gain timeless wisdom on wealth-building in this multimillion-selling classic of personal finance. In ancient times, a man named Arkad is questioned by his childhood friends: how has he prospered enough to become the richest man in Babylon while they still struggle to get by? He answers them by sharing essential truths about money—earning it, spending it, saving it, giving it, investing it—that continue to benefit countless readers in the twenty-first century. Rooted in evergreen principles rather than get-rich-quick gimmicks, The Richest Man in Babylon is an indispensable read, providing solid, simple guidance on how to achieve financial security and success.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Gold Ahead George Samuel Clason, 2012-07
  who s the richest man that ever lived: The Billion Dollar Secret Rafael Badziag, 2019 Billionaires are extremely rare, and their mindset differs hugely from ordinary millionaires. The author worked with some of the very best entrepreneurs and distilled their secrets into 20 principles that enabled them to start from zero and create billions in value. This book gives you the roadmap to follow their path to extreme wealth and success.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Think and Grow Rich and The Richest Man in Babylon (Original Classic Editions) Napoleon Hill, George S. Clason, 2021-01-28 “Read all you can. Start with these two books to build your philosophy: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.” - Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher These 2 beautiful books brought to you for the first time by G&D Media featuring new introductions from PEN Award-Winning author Mitch Horowitz. Think and Grow Rich, the number-one motivational classic is a roadmap to achievement written from the experiences of hundreds of America’s most successful men. This original classic edition is the shortest dependable philosophy of individual achievement ever presented. br>Discover Why a definite chief aim is the closest thing to a magic elixir Why it’s important to write down your goals The use of autosuggestion to increase your confidence and ability The best way to use your mind to receive ideas from Infinite Intelligence The method of thinking accurately How to avoid anything that could impede your success The Richest Man in Babylon is one of the bestselling financial books of all time. Now you can put it to work for you! Be all that you are capable of as you fill your mind, heart, and soul with positive energy and life-enhancing ideas. Learn: How to acquire, keep, and put money to work for you The secret to financial success Why “paying yourself first” increases your savings How to save while paying down debt How to attract “good luck” The best investments for your future
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Jesus Speaks Steven K. Scott, 2015-12-15 What Happens When You Immerse Your Life in the Words of Jesus? “Jesus’ words can replace stress with peace, sadness with joy, confusion with guidance, and fear with faith. That’s why Jesus Speaks will not only change your day, but it can also change your life, your relationships, and your eternity!” —Christine Caine, best-selling author of Undaunted “I’m certain readers…will grow in their intimate relationship with the Father as they focus on Jesus’ words daily through Mr. Scott’s profound and encouraging writing.” —Dr. Charles Stanley, senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta “I absolutely love Jesus Speaks! I am coming to love Jesus more and more as I gain a deeper understanding of who He is through what He says in His own words!” —Sandi Patty, Grammy Award–winning Christian artist “Jesus promised that if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, our prayers will be answered, and we will bear much fruit. Jesus Speaks provides an amazing springboard for any believer to abide in His words as never before.” —Tommy Barnett, senior pastor of Phoenix First Assembly of God “True intimacy with Christ is achievable. Jesus Speaks can be your first step every morning into His presence.” —Dr. Ed Young, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church, Houston “Jesus Speaks is like reading a daily love letter from our Lord and Savior. Steve Scott has focused on the spoken words of Christ in one of the most powerful, clarifying ways possible.” —Chris Hodges, senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, Alabama “With Jesus Speaks you can immerse your mind, heart, and soul in His words every day!” —Josh D. McDowell, author and speaker “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” —John 6:63 When Jesus walked this earth, He gave His followers more than one hundred life-changing promises. He also gave more than one hundred teachings for living in line with God’s priorities—commands that lift us up rather than weigh us down! This 365-day devotional invites you to let Jesus speak directly into your life. Each reading begins with a red-lettered statement of Jesus, directly from Scripture, followed by a powerful reflection on how He wants us to apply His truths to our daily lives. No problem you face today is beyond the help of Jesus. No question you ask is beyond the answers of Jesus. The more you get to know this loving Savior, the more you will love Him! So come, immerse yourself in His words. He is speaking to you.
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Think and Grow Rich and The Richest Man in Babylon with Study Guides Napoleon Hill, George S. Clason, 2021-01-30 “Read all you can. Start with these two books to build your philosophy: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.” - Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher These 2 classic books brought to you for the first time by G&D Media with each featuring a 21st century study guide filled with practices and exercises that will help you be all that you are capable of. Think and Grow Rich, the number-one motivational classic is a roadmap to achievement written from the experiences of hundreds of America’s most successful men. This original classic edition is the shortest dependable philosophy of individual achievement ever presented. br>Discover Why a definite chief aim is the closest thing to a magic elixir Why it’s important to write down your goals The use of autosuggestion to increase your confidence and ability The best way to use your mind to receive ideas from Infinite Intelligence The method of thinking accurately How to avoid anything that could impede your success The Richest Man in Babylon is one of the bestselling financial books of all time. Now you can put it to work for you! Be all that you are capable of as you fill your mind, heart, and soul with positive energy and life-enhancing ideas. Learn How to acquire, keep, and put money to work for you The secret to financial success Why “paying yourself first” increases your savings How to save while paying down debt How to attract “good luck” The best investments for your future
  who s the richest man that ever lived: Aliko Mohammad Dangote Moshood Ademola Fayemiwo, Margie Marie Neal, 2013-05 MOSHOOD ADEMOLA FAYEMIWO was a newspaper publisher/editor in Nigeria where he grew up but now lives in Chicago. An alumnus of University of Lagos, Nigeria, University of South Florida, and State University of New York, he is author of Who's Who of Africans in America and four published books. His next book is; Jonathan; The Squandering of Good Luck. MARGIE MARIE NEAL is former university professor, education consultant, and reading coach in Chicago. An alumna of State University of New York, Chicago State University, American College of Education, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is co-author, People Power in Africa: A Week That Changed Nigeria Forever, and author of; The Roles of Professional Organizations in the Effective Teaching of Reading in Chicago Public School-CPS: The IRA and IRC as Case Studies, (forthcoming). Praise For ALIKO MOHAMMAD ADNGOTE THE BIOGRAPHY OF THE RICHEST BLACK PERSON IN THE WORLD A highly recommended book to anyone who enjoys learning about how different people of all walks of life become rich and successful, and what it takes to get to the top---Readers Favorite Book (Starred Review), USA.A compelling book about a unique personality in Africa---Goodreads, USA. Flawlessly written, Dangote stands out as a hallmark of excellent artisanship and knowledgeable chronicling--- Bookplex Review of Books, Mumbai, India. Nigerian Aliko Dangote, the richest black person in the world, is a witness to the fact that success as a passionate entrepreneur is not limited by race, ethnicity or national origin---Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.-(D - IL), 2nd Congressional District, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC, USA. In a land lacking a culture of independent biography, this is a starting point, and Dangote is a promising introduction to the fascinating and still largely unmapped universe of one of the world's richest men.---The Huffington Post, USA. Dangote has trumped long held assumptions, cultural archetypes and stereotypes, to become known as a respected business man, power broker and philanthropist---Hon Gloria Hyatt, Member of the British Empire (MBE), motivational speaker, education, coach and managing director, Teach Consultancy Limited, UK. This is a timely book on Aliko Dangote and the positive changes that are taking place in Africa, ---Prof.Vijay Mahajan, The John Harbin Centennial Chair of Business, McCombs School of Business, University of Texas, Austin USA. Publisher's website: http: //sbpra.com/MoshoodAdemolaFayemiwoandMargieMarieNea