Leonardo da Vinci’s financial life was as unconventional and fascinating as his polymath pursuits. Born the illegitimate son of a wealthy notary, he was denied an inheritance and grew up outside the rigid structures that defined his society’s social classes. Despite these challenges – and perhaps because of them – Leonardo navigated a world of …
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After retiring from the Air Force as a master sergeant in 1981, Bob Ross left Alaska with $1,000. He was a one-track mind on a mission to spread the joy of painting. He promised his partner, if after a year it didn’t work, he would settle down with children and pursue domestic goals. Bob Ross’s …
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At 11 years old, without telling his family, Jules Verne obtained work as a cabin boy. He boarded a ship headed towards the West Indies partially to run away. In addition, like many of us, he also had a simple desire for a job offering exciting experiences. His dad? Well, he forced the boy off …
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It was difficult to research the financial life of Frederick Douglass because he was obviously well known for things far more important than his money. While people may think he is well known today, he was far more famous during his lifetime. If how much he was photographed counts for anything, he was the most …
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“One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, “What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?” – Rachel Carson As a true poet, Rachel Carson demands respect and posthumous attention. Poetry wasn’t a pastime of hers. It was a way of life – …
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“Everyone keeps coming at me, wanting me to lecture, to write commissioned booklets, to join this and that, etc. – you don’t know how I pine to be free of it all and have time to think again.” – George Orwell, writing to his friend while processing the success of “Animal Farm” Class Criticism at …
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Sometimes you encounter a book based on a true story that has the unexpected power to lift you out of your own life, grow your heart beyond its borders, and call you to action in a way facts or stories bombarding you on the news never could. While not necessarily a house-hold name, Linda Sue …
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“I wish I was rich, I was good, and we were all a happy family this day.” – Louisa May Alcott Welcome to the first post in a series exploring the financial struggles and triumphs of historical figures. Through these stories, I hope to uncover valuable lessons that highlight how creative individuals …
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