16. John D. Rockefeller III dedicated his life to controlling his family’s philanthropic efforts, funding the arts, sciences and education
The grandson of one of the richest men who ever lived, John D. Rockefeller III could have been anything he wanted. Indeed, his brothers went into banking and politics, making big names for themselves. Ultimately, however, John preferred giving money away to making it. Along with his sister, he dedicated his life to philanthropy, putting the family fortune to good use through the establishment of several notable charitable initiatives.
Born in New York City in 1906, the eldest of five brothers, he had a privileged upbringing. He majored in economics at the prestigious Princeton University, graduating with high honors. However, a career in economics held little appeal. After graduation, he travelled the world for a year and then, upon his return to New York City, decided that he would take control of his family’s philanthropic interests. He would remain devoted to trying to make the world a better place right up until his death in a car accident in 1978.
In all, John sat on 20 boards, including those of some of the biggest professional bodies in all of America. He led the development of the Rockefeller University while at the same time indulging his interest in international relations and, above all, in US-Asian relations. As the founder of the Asia Society, he has been credited with driving greater levels of cooperation between the United States and several Asian nations, above all with Japan. Additionally, as the founder of the United Negro College Fund, he helped numerous young African-American adults pursue a higher education.