The men who built America.

[farmerbyron]

Is on the History channel tonight and is really fascinating seeing how people like Vanderbuilt and Rockefeller built themselves into icons. I highly recommend this show from what I have seen so far. Stories about ambition and greed that created the America we know. Feels very Atlas Shrugged. Certainly a lot better than the same old crap at the debate.

 

[Torch Red Tulsan]

I'm enjoying it from a historical perspective. It definitely highlights the win-at-all-cost mentality of these heavy hitters. I guess it's disappointing to me when I see what kind of ethics these guys used to be so powerful. Not saying at they were bad people, just that I couldn't be that cutthroat. I also didn't realize that Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Carnegie were so connected. It's been interesting

 

[Werewolf]

Great show. Interesting and grabs your attention by the nuts and just doesn't let go.

That said:

Different times, different rules.

AND Lucky for us.

Imagine what the state the USA would be in today if guys like FDR, LBJ, Jimmy Carter and Obama were in charge from 1880 thru 1920 or so.

 

[Boehlertaught]

What I saw was very interesting.

 

[Glocktogo]

It takes ruthlessness and visions (or delusions) of grandeur to build great things, particularly when you live in a world full of mediocre minds intent on tearing down the works of others.

 

[gl55]

They didn't build that.

.....

 

[farmerbyron]

I wonder; was "There Will Be Blood" inspired by JD Rockefeller's story?

 

[LightningCrash]

I'm enjoying it from a historical perspective. It definitely highlights the win-at-all-cost mentality of these heavy hitters. I guess it's disappointing to me when I see what kind of ethics these guys used to be so powerful. Not saying at they were bad people, just that I couldn't be that cutthroat. I also didn't realize that Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Carnegie were so connected. It's been interesting

The author David Nasaw's book is a good read wrt Carnegie.

 

[Lurker66]

I wonder; was "There Will Be Blood" inspired by JD Rockefeller's story?

i think it was based on the founder of signal hill. A real company. Im sure the story was rewrote to make it more entertaining.