What will I learn about: Learn how Nelson Rockefeller navigated severe dyslexia through progressive, passion-driven education to successfully launch a prolific career?

Learn how Nelson Rockefeller navigated severe dyslexia through progressive, passion-driven education to successfully launch a prolific career.

What will I learn about: how Rockefeller applied his deep passion for art to shape New York City's cultural landscape by helping establish the Museum of Modern Art and the iconic Rockefeller Center?

Discover how Rockefeller applied his deep passion for art to shape New York City's cultural landscape by helping establish the Museum of Modern Art and the iconic Rockefeller Center.

What will I learn about: how witnessing stark inequality in Venezuela inspired Rockefeller to champion early corporate social responsibility by demanding his family's oil company build local schools and hospitals?

Understand how witnessing stark inequality in Venezuela inspired Rockefeller to champion early corporate social responsibility by demanding his family's oil company build local schools and hospitals.

What will I learn about: how Rockefeller leveraged cultural exchange, such as hosting a massive Mexican art exhibit at MOMA, to build international diplomacy and secure his first political appointment under FDR?

Find out how Rockefeller leveraged cultural exchange, such as hosting a massive Mexican art exhibit at MOMA, to build international diplomacy and secure his first political appointment under FDR.

What will I learn about: Explore how Rockefeller’s dedication to revitalizing South American economies elevated his political status in Washington and shaped US foreign relations at the onset of World War II?

Explore how Rockefeller’s dedication to revitalizing South American economies elevated his political status in Washington and shaped US foreign relations at the onset of World War II.

On His Own Terms

A Life of Nelson Rockefeller

Richard Norton Smith

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Biography & Memoir

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You should listen to this audiobook

💡Did you know how the heir to the world’s most famous oil fortune managed to step out of his family's shadow and redefine American leadership on his own terms?
💡Have you ever wondered what it takes to navigate the highest levels of power while constantly clashing with your own political party's ideology?
💡What’s the secret to turning immense private wealth into a lasting public legacy that reshaped everything from international relations to the New York skyline?

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Key Takeaways from On His Own Terms

✓Learn how Nelson Rockefeller navigated severe dyslexia through progressive, passion-driven education to successfully launch a prolific career.
✓Discover how Rockefeller applied his deep passion for art to shape New York City's cultural landscape by helping establish the Museum of Modern Art and the iconic Rockefeller Center.
✓Understand how witnessing stark inequality in Venezuela inspired Rockefeller to champion early corporate social responsibility by demanding his family's oil company build local schools and hospitals.
✓Find out how Rockefeller leveraged cultural exchange, such as hosting a massive Mexican art exhibit at MOMA, to build international diplomacy and secure his first political appointment under FDR.
✓Explore how Rockefeller’s dedication to revitalizing South American economies elevated his political status in Washington and shaped US foreign relations at the onset of World War II.

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Mind Map

On His Own Terms

Early Life & Identity+

Art & Architecture+

Latin America & Foreign Policy+

New York Governorship+

National Politics & Vice Presidency+

Personal Life & Legacy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10

Despite his privileged background, Nelson Rockefeller struggled with dyslexia. How did he successfully manage this challenge during his youth?

A. He attended a progressive school that allowed him to learn through his personal interests.
B. He underwent experimental medical treatments funded by his wealthy father.
C. He hired ghostwriters to complete all of his written assignments.
D. He dropped out of formal education to work directly in the family's oil business.

Question 2 of 10

What controversial decision did Nelson Rockefeller make regarding the artistic design of the Rockefeller Center?

A. He hired exclusively European architects instead of local New York talent.
B. He commissioned a mural by leftist artist Diego Rivera, which had to be removed after Rivera included a portrait of Vladimir Lenin.
C. He insisted on building an opera house despite the severe financial constraints of the Great Depression.
D. He refused to include any modern art in the lobby, favoring classical marble sculptures instead.

Question 3 of 10

How did Nelson Rockefeller's business ventures in South America lead to his first major political appointment under President Franklin D. Roosevelt?

A. He discovered massive new oil reserves that the US military needed for World War II.
B. His efforts to improve local economies and diplomatic relations caught FDR's attention, leading to his appointment as Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs.
C. He successfully negotiated a peace treaty between Venezuela and Mexico.
D. He funded FDR's reelection campaign using profits from the Venezuelan Basic Economy Corporation.

Question 4 of 10

What major post-WWII achievement significantly boosted Nelson Rockefeller's popularity in his hometown of New York City?

A. He personally funded the construction of the Empire State Building.
B. He negotiated a deal and secured the land to headquarter the United Nations in Manhattan.
C. He convinced the federal government to bail out the city's bankrupt transit system.
D. He established the first public university system in the city.

Question 5 of 10

During the Eisenhower administration, Nelson Rockefeller resigned from his post as Undersecretary of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW). What was the primary reason for his frustration?

A. He was caught in a scandal involving the misuse of federal funds for his personal art collection.
B. He disagreed with Eisenhower's aggressive foreign policy towards the Soviet Union.
C. His proposals to expand social security, education, and health benefits were blocked by Republicans advocating for smaller government.
D. He wanted to switch to the Democratic party but was prevented by his family's political ties.

Question 6 of 10

When Nelson Rockefeller ran for governor of New York in 1958, what made his electoral victory particularly notable?

A. He won despite refusing to campaign in person or give public speeches.
B. He achieved a remarkably high measure of support from registered Democrats and minority voters.
C. He ran as an independent candidate, defeating both the Republican and Democratic nominees.
D. He was the first politician to use television commercials exclusively for his campaign.

Question 7 of 10

How did Nelson Rockefeller react to the Republican party's shift toward the right and the rise of political extremism in the 1960s?

A. He embraced extremist groups to secure the 1964 presidential nomination.
B. He remained a strong proponent of civil rights and openly criticized political extremism, even when booed at the 1964 Republican Convention.
C. He abandoned politics entirely and focused solely on his philanthropic organizations.
D. He officially changed his party affiliation to Democrat and campaigned for Lyndon B. Johnson.

Question 8 of 10

Which of the following was one of Nelson Rockefeller's enduring achievements during his tenure as governor of New York?

A. He successfully privatized the New York City subway system.
B. He dramatically expanded the State University of New York (SUNY) into the largest university system in the world at the time.
C. He eliminated the state income tax to attract foreign investors.
D. He dismantled the Urban Development Corporation to give local cities more zoning power.

Question 9 of 10

In his later terms as governor, Rockefeller's legacy was darkened by his handling of the Attica prison riot and what other major policy decision?

A. The implementation of extreme, draconian penalties for drug traffickers, which caused the prison population to skyrocket.
B. The decision to cut funding for all public arts programs in New York State.
C. His refusal to sign the Federal Disabilities Act, arguing it would cost the state too much money.
D. The deployment of the National Guard to break the 1968 NYC Garbage Strike.

Question 10 of 10

What characterized Nelson Rockefeller's time as Vice President under Gerald Ford?

A. He seamlessly integrated into the administration and became Ford's most trusted domestic policy advisor.
B. He successfully orchestrated a peace treaty to end the Vietnam War.
C. He was frustrated by his lack of power and frequently clashed with Ford's Chief of Staff, Donald Rumsfeld.
D. He used the position to successfully secure the Republican presidential nomination for the 1976 election.

On His Own Terms — Full Chapter Overview

1Recommendation
2Nelson Rockefeller was born to extraordinary wealth, yet he endured plenty personal struggles as well in life.
3Rockefeller channeled his love of art into his work at MoMA and the Rockefeller Center.
4An ambitious South American venture gave Nelson his first role in politics.
5Nelson’s standing in Washington grew as the United States entered World War II and the United Nations was formed.
6After the war, Nelson fused his business acumen with his zeal for far-reaching overseas economic development.
7After helping bring the UN to New York City, Nelson returned to politics with an official role in the Truman administration.
8During the Cold War, Nelson met Republican resistance yet left a lasting mark through a pivotal research project.
9Nelson became New York’s governor and, if not for resistance from the Republican establishment, might have been president indeed.
10Nelson endured the deaths of many close to him, a scandalous divorce, and the tragic loss of his son too.
11In another presidential race, Nelson confronted the immense challenge posed by political extremism.
12As New York’s governor, Nelson enacted numerous notable and enduring policy reforms.
13Nelson struggled mightily to work with NYC mayor John Lindsay but found ways to get along with President Richard Nixon.
14During his final term, Nelson squandered much of his political goodwill through several missteps and errors.
15As vice president, a frustrated Nelson Rockefeller sparred with Gerald Ford’s staff and Republican Party leaders.
16Nelson Rockefeller’s death proved a strange and controversial affair.

On His Own Terms Summary & Overview

On His Own Terms (2014) tells the remarkable life story of Nelson Rockefeller, who used his family’s notoriety and wealth to change the world for the better. These blinks walk you through Nelson’s life, from his involvement in the family oil business to his extended career in politics.

Who Should Listen to On His Own Terms?

Students of history and politics
Readers who love a good biography

About the Author: Richard Norton Smith

Richard Norton Smith is a critically acclaimed biographer and frequent contributor to both PBS and ABC News. He has served as director for a number of presidential libraries, including those dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and Dwight Eisenhower.

On His Own Terms

If You're Curious About These Questions...

Listen to On His Own Terms — Free Audiobook

Key Takeaways from On His Own Terms

Learning Tools

Mind Map

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

On His Own Terms — Full Chapter Overview

On His Own Terms Summary & Overview

Who Should Listen to On His Own Terms?

About the Author: Richard Norton Smith

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