John Rockefeller Quotes on Business

About John Rockefeller

A pioneering businessman and philanthropist who founded Standard Oil in 1870. He became the richest American of his time, controlling 90% of U.S. oil. After retirement, he focused on philanthropy, funding education, medicine, and science. He established key institutions and helped define modern charitable foundations.

Quote

Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

—  John Rockefeller

Analysis

Achieving exceptional success requires the courage to leave a comfortable and secure situation in pursuit of a much higher, but less certain, reward.

Action Items

  • Evaluate one major area of your life (career, location, relationship) that is "good" and ask if its comfort is preventing you from pursuing something truly exceptional.
  • When faced with a new opportunity, consciously weigh the potential for greatness against the fear of losing your current "good" situation.
  • Practice letting go of smaller "good" things, like a familiar but unchallenging project, to create the capacity and courage to aim for something "great."