Thursday, 5 March 2015
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
EXLUSIVE 73 BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW
Meet Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of one of Nigeria’s biggest evangelical churches – The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Pastor Adeboye was voted by Newsweek as one of the world’s 50 most influential people in 2008
Q. “How did you find God?”
A. “I came to know God in a fairly dramatic way. I was born into a christian home and always gone to church because my parents said we had to go. But after I grew up and left home – I drifted away from church until I had a little problem that defied all solutions and then someone invited me to the Redeemed Christian Church of God – I came expecting the pastor would just pray and my problems would just go, but instead he said I would have to give my life to Jesus Christ first – that if my sins are gone, my problems would disappear. So of course I resisted for a while but eventually I surrendered and as he said gave my life to Jesus Christ and my problems disappeared.”
Q. “When was that?”
A. “1973 – I was just over 31.”
Q. “If you don’t mind – what was the problem?”
A. “If you don’t mind (laughs) – as the problem is gone now, we may as well leave it there.”
Q. “You’re originally a student of mathematics how was that change to become a pastor?”
A. “Well, it didn’t quite change – once a mathematician – always a mathematician. But at that time I was a lecturer at the University of Lagos – that’s when I met the Lord. And after the founder of the church saw my zeal – he ordained me as a pastor, and when I became a pastor – I began to travel – going to universities, colleges and other institutions to share with them – my testimony, my experience. And when the founder died – we read in his will that I was to succeed him. To take over the leadership of the church – now, there was no way I could command the two, I couldn’t continue as a lecturer and still do my duties as the general overseer – that’s where mathematics had to stand aside for Christ to take full control.”
Q. “Must have been heady days – beginning of evangelical movement in Nigeria – how did you feel at the time, travelling the country?”
A. “Well, evangelical moves had been on before I became born again but yes it was quite exciting in those days – travelling across the country – meeting young people, lecturers, sharing with them – realising that many of us had been living in ignorance and then seeing the joy.”
Redeemed Church
The Redeemed Christian Church of God was founded in 1952 by Josiah Akindayomi – but when he died he left only forty churches to his chosen successor – Enoch Adeboye.
It is a choice that has proven extremely successful.
The Redeemed church claims to have over five million members across 20,000 branches in 140 countries worldwide.
And there are at least 540 branches in the UK and Ireland alone
Pentecostalism has swept through Nigeria and Africa in the last two decades – offering the promise – not just of entry into heaven in the after-life but of jobs, marriage, children, health and money in this life.
NAT SOUND – Pastor Adeboye
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Q. “In 1981 you were made the general overseer – how did you feel?”
A. “That was quite an experience. Of course I didn’t want to have anything to do with working fulltime for Christ – I preferred the way I was doing it – teaching at the university, preaching the gospel – because that allowed me more or less to be my own master. The university was paying me – in those days lecturers were well paid – and church was very poor. But then when the time came – I discovered, I might lack some things but I have a joy that money can’t buy. So it was quite fulfilling – challenging, but fulfilling.”
Q. “How do you feel when you’re at the altar, preaching?”
A. “Of course you feel excited. You feel fulfilled- you are being used by God to meet the needs of so many people at a time which is probably one of the greatest joys of being a pastor. In the university, yes you are influencing lives, teaching them – moulding them – but they are very few in number – I think the largest number of students I had in one class must be less than 100- now to see you could influence 1million people at a time can be very exciting.”
Q. “What is the Nigerian way of worship?”
A. “Our freedom of worship – the way we dance, shout, enjoy the almighty God – so I think that bit of us, bubbling enthusiasm – all is a good influence.”
Q. “Your style is not as loud, people describe you as being very humble, no expensive suits – why is that? Is there a reason behind it?”
A. “I believe the gospel is for all people. But I believe it is even more for the masses and majority of the masses – if you are going to reach for them you have to be at their level. If they see in you someone they can relate to – it’ll be easier for them to listen, to hear from you. One thing I’ve discovered about the masses – even though they might be poor and not high up there – there’s still something in them that doesn’t like being looked down upon. So they relate to someone who will talk to them at their level. But not just that – the so called high and mighty – if you get close to them, you will know that underneath the beautiful dresses – they’re human – presidents, heads of states, CEOs – they all still go to the toilet – they all still get tired, all feel pain – so if you go to the basics you will reach everyone. Because in every man there is that basic need.”
Q. “What do you think explains the explosion of evangelical churches?”
A. “Maybe we’ll say the economic situation, social problems that we face have been a very good catalyst in bringing people to Christ. I must add that some people exploited that – setting up fake churches – knowing that people will come to wherever they hear God is healing. But , like I keep telling people – any time you see a counterfeit – it means the original must be somewhere. You won’t see a counterfeit N2000 note – cause there’s no original.”
Q. “What happens if you find con-artists?”
A. “If we discover such a fellow – we dismiss him – we don’t compromise at all. And our people know that. If you find a pastor twisting the word of the bible to his own advantage – all you have to do is let me know.”
Coming up after the break – Religion and Politics
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
“Who is it who said man is a political animal. Everybody should decide who is going to rule over him and you should not complain about anything you permit.”
PART TWO
General shots of Nigeria / people
Nigeria is a country of 150 million people divided roughly between a Christian south and a Muslim north.
It is a fault-line along which there are often deadly clashes. Both sides stand accused of encouraging such violence.
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Q. “Do you think Nigeria is on a religious frontline?”
A. “There’s no doubt about that.”
Q. “That can become violent. Is that part of the course?”
A. “I believe – anytime light begins to shine – there’s bound to be a little resistance from darkness. So that’s a settled matter. Unfortunate as it may seem – some politicians go in the guise of religion to perpetrate evil. I do not think genuine Christians and genuine Muslims will fight. If you kill a Muslim – you are killing a potential convert – someone who is dead cannot be converted and of course a Muslim killing a Christian – you are also killing a potential convert. But I think most of the crisis are not really religion – it’s politics. Some politicians choose to use religion as a tool for their own ulterior motives.”
Q. “Do you think the church can play a role in politics?”
A. “Of course – who was it that said man is a political animal. Everybody should decide who is going to rule over him and you should not complain about anything you permit. If you fail to vote, fail to participate in the political situation and someone gets to become your ruler and you say you don’t like the way he’s ruling you – who’s fault? Where were you when he was being voted into power? And if someone gets into power and he’s not doing what you expect him to do – then vote him out.”
Q. “Does the church play enough role?”
A. “Maybe they should do more. Because I believe in the past – the people have been so focused on making it to heaven that they don’t want anything to do with politics – politics has gizzards, which is another way of saying politics can be dirty. Christians are the light of the world – should be shining a light not being the salt of the earth which is only of use if its applied – so I think we should be doing more than we are doing now.”
Pastor Adeboye and President Goodluck Jonathan during church service
But noone is quite sure how much Pastor Adeboye is doing
Tonight’s service is attended by Nigeria’s President – Goodluck Jonathan, as well as various other state governors and politicians.
All seeking guidance.
But, particularly with controversial national elections in April – the degree to which his support and advice is listened to is unclear, also unclear.
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Q. “You have the ear of presidents – do you support, talk and support certain candidates?”
A. “When I am consulted I do talk. But then all you can do is advise – you can’t command – you can say this is the way I think this thing should be done then they’re free to decide whether they will take your advice or ignore it. You are free once in a while to make a move that will show the man on top the feelings of the masses because we are very close to the masses. I’m into saying presidents and governors are not close to the masses – but you know fully well, that if there’s total black out in the nation – lights will still be on in state house. But as we live with the people on a daily basis – we can feel their pulses better. So when things become a little too uncomfortable for the masses – we take some actions.”
Q. “Try to make them sway for a particular way to vote?”
A. “No. I mean – when you have this kind of congregation – you have members of every party in the congregation and if you want to retain their respect for you – you must be neutral. My suggestion would always be – make sure you vote for the person of your choice – if the choice you make turns out to be right – glory be to God, if your choice turns out wrong then maybe another time.”
NAT SOUND – Congregation praying
Congregation Praying
Services last throughout the night with numerous prayer sessions
And each sermon is simultaneously read aloud in English and the local language Yoruba
there are choirs, music, as well as donations and more controversially – healing.
Despite the Redeemed Church’s promise of an improved standard of living for the average Nigerian – the UN estimates 80% of people in the country still live on less than $2 a day.
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Q. “People want better life – not just in the afterlife but today – would it not be better to protest outside government house?”
A. “Prayers can move mountains. Protesting outside government house – how much has it achieved? You go there – you carry placards, if you’re fortunate – you will return home alive, if you are not fortunate – some overzealous police officer might accidentally discharge some bullets. And you protest day after day after day and after some time you get tired.”
Q. Do you think church has brought people out of the widespread poverty?”
A. “Sure – we are trying our best – the problem is huge – we might not see results to soon but we are doing our best we have programmes that are talking about how to start little business, we have seminars on small scale farming, seminars on almost everything – in other words we’re saying don’t look onto government for everything – be creative.”
Coming up – apart from religion, what else is important in Pastor Adeboye’s life?
Q. “What else do you like doing apart from the Redeemed, religion?”
A. “I love fishing. I used to be a boxer – unfortunately I can’t box anymore, except box the devil maybe.”
PART THREE
Adeboye on Newsweek front cover
In 2008 – Pastor Adeboye was featured in Newsweek magazine, as one of the world’s top fifty most influential people.
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Q. “How did you feel about Newsweek?”
A. ‘I felt humbled. Because – how could they possibly leave all the archbishops and big, big names and chose a small pastor in one little jungle. I was surprised and humbled and drove me closer to God.”
Q. “Is it a responsibility – the influence you have on people?”
A. “Of course it is- if I had my way, I would not want influence over anyone but my little family. Particularly as the bible says on the day of judgement – judgment is going to be based on this influence – how have you used this influence – for good or evil. One man was complaining to a great preacher – the preacher said what is your problem, the man said – my congregation is only fifty people in number. And the preacher said – you have a lot of people to answer for when you get to heaven – you should thank God there are only fifty.”
The Redeemed Church dominates Adeboye’s public life and what little of a private life remains – he keeps mostly to himself.
Quote – Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Q. “What else do you like doing apart from the Redeemed, religion?”
A. “I love fishing. I used to be a boxer – unfortunately I can’t box anymore, except box the devil maybe. And I go for walks, long walks. Unfortunately I don’t have time for any other thing. It’s difficult for me to now even walk in the streets – everybody wants to come and ask me to pray for them. Occasionally I want to go to market – to buy things for myself – but last time I went to the supermarket I had to run back into the car because the people who were around the shop left the shop and wanted to turn the place into a crusade ground. So I can only walk in the night when they’re supposed to be sleeping and they can’t disturb me – and once in a while I go to fish in a place that is excluded – just for the fun of it.”
Q. “Would you like to retire? Will you keep going until the end?”
A. “I would have loved to retire – I had plans of what I could do in retirement – when you are retired – you are more or less your own master – wake up whenever you like, go where you want, when you want. If I’m retired I don’t have to be in charge of the congress – I can just come and enjoy.”
Q. “Where would you like to see Redeemed go from here?”
A. “Still a long way from our goal. We want to reach the whole world – want to have churches in every nation and have members in every family in the whole world and that’s where we believe God will take us before I leave this world.”
Pastor Enoch Adeboye
That time, his congregation hope – is still a long time to come.
Sunday, 1 March 2015
25 RICHEST MEN EVER LIVED
The 25 Richest People In Human History (Note: Number 1 Will Shock You And It’s NOT Warren Buffet)
I know what your thinking. “The richest people in history? Warren Buffet. Bill Gates. Or wait, no. Rockefeller! Carnegie!” And for the record, you’d be way off. At least with the first two. Surprisingly, Buffet and Gates are rather low on the list. Rockefeller and Carnegie aren’t though. But who’s number 1? Well, that answer might surprise some. Like most magnates and titans, let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.
25. WARREN BUFFET: $64 BILLION
Warren Buffet is widely considered the greatest and most successful investor in history. And rightfully so. The man has managed to amass a $64 billion dollar fortune! While still in high school, he made his first big purchase: a pinball machine. Soon, they owned several machines and as they say, the rest is history.
24. SAM WALTON: $65 BILLION
Ah, the Waltons. In 1992, Sam Walton had a net worth of $66 billion, just a billion over Buffet. Ten years after his death that ballooned to over $100 billion. Staggering. But still not much compared to the others on this list..
23. MARSHALL FIELD: $66 BILLION
Mr Field was a real estate mogul and co-founder of a Chicago based department store chain. Adjusted for inflation, he would both worth about $66 billion big ones. A little known fact: he co-founded The University of Chicago with John D. Rockefeller.
22. STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER: $68 BILLION (TIED)
You may have never heard of Stephen Van Rensselaer before, but once you know what he had his wealth might make sense to you. He owned much of New York State, including Manhattan. He was also a politician (Lieutenant Governor) who was loved by the people for offering fair land leases and rates for farmers.
22. CARLOS SLIM: $68 BILLION (TIED)
Carlos Slim is the richest living person today with a net worth of over $68 billion. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of the largest telecommunications company in Latin America. This accounts for well over half of his wealth.
21. JAY GOULD: $71 BILLION
Jay Gould’s amassed a $71 billion fortune before he’s definitely 1800s. He was known as the “Robber Barron” who was said to have used questionable business practices to amass his wealth. He would pay workers poorly, buy out competitors who couldn’t keep up and then hike the market price up, pocketing the difference.
It’s even said that when gold began to rise, he hoped the cost of wheat would as well, which would then increase the amount of freight and transport required – fattening his pockets further. So he purchased huge sums of gold in an attempt to raise the price – and it worked.
20. FRIEDRICH WEYERHAUSER: $80 BILLION
Friedrich was a land owner who made his fortune in the timber and wood business. But he wasn’t just any land owner. More like the largest private land owner in America. When he died in the early 1900’s his estate was valued at $80 billion dollars when adjusted for inflation.
19. HENRY DUKE OF LANCASTER: $85.1 BILLION
Henry was a nobleman who lived in the 1300’s and was worth about $85 billion in modern money. His story to wealth isn’t too inspiring: an inheritance and a lucky marriage made him the wealthiest man in England.
18. ALEXANDER TURNEY STEWART: $90 BILLION
Alexander was responsible for creating the world’s largest department store chain and pioneered the mail-order shopping business. Using no more then $10,000 his grandfather left him when he passed, he took that money and opened up dry-foods store in New York. By the late 1800’s he had built the largest retail shop in the world right on Broadway.
Soon, it began to branch out into other parts of the world. The first floor of the store involved fashion shows while the second floor had fine european imports. People from all parts of the country wanted to buy from his stores, and he was the first person to start mail-ordering.
17. STEPHEN GIRARD: $105 BILLION
Stephen was a banking and shipping magnate who saved America from financial collapse during the War of 1812. Wow. He purchased stock in failing banks and opened his own with great success. When he died in 1831 he was worth $105 billion.
16. JOHN OF GAUNT: $110 BILLION
Again, like Henry the Nobleman, John’s story ain’t too inspiring. He was the son of England’s King Edward III and was given some super huge land grants when he became of age.
15. HENRY DUKE OF LANCASTER: $118.6 BILLION
Richard too, like John of Gaunt and Henry the Nobleman, was an English land owner in the 1300’s. He just so happened to own more land then them, hence the fatter pockets.
14. JOHN JACOB ASTOR: $121 BILLION
Now here’s a true hustler: John would buy furs from Canada on the cheap and flip them to wealthy women in New York. Then he used this money to acquire real estate in the same area he sold furs in. Then he sold his American Fur Company and began to really buy up land.
He predicted rapid growth on the north side of Manhattan, so he purchased as much as he could. But instead of selling it, he rented it out at exorbitant rates. Cheers to you John. Cheers.
13. WILLIAM DE WARENNE: $146.3 BILLION
William was a nobleman like some of the other folks on this list, except his acquisition of wealth was rewarded due to his great military service. He was critical part of the Battle of Hastings, thus, he was awarded vast land grants. When he died in 1088 he was worth a staggering $146+ billion. Christ.
12. BILL GATES: $136 BILLION
Although Gates is worth a little less than $65 billion now, during late 1999 he Microsoft stock was valued at a whopping $130+ billion. If you don’t know who Gates is, shame on you.
11. ALAN RUFUS: $178.65 BILLION
Like William De Warenne, Alan was a military man who happened to be the companion of William The Conqueror (the 7th richest person in human history). For all his help in William’s conquering, he was given 250,000 acres of land. That’s pretty.. huge.
10. CORNELIUS VANDERBILT: $185 BILLION
Ah, the great-great-great grandfather of CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Mr. Vanderbilt is the third richest American to ever live and amassed his fortune in the steamboat industry. But the steamboat industry isn’t what really catapulted him to such great heights of wealth. It was his investments in the railroad industry thereafter.
Side-note: his great-great granddaughter, Gloria Vanderbilt, is credited as one of the first early adopters of blue jeans.. and is Anderson Coopers momma! Listen to this SoundCloud interview Anderson had with Howard Stern where he details how and why he won’t receive an inheritance.
9. HENRY FORD: $199 BILLION
Henry Ford founded the legendary Ford Motor Company and is credited as developing the assembly line form of mass production. He is also credited as developing and manufacturing the first affordable car. His family still controls Ford.
8. MUAMMAR GADDAFI: $200 BILLION
This one surprised me. According to sources Muammar Gaddafi was worth $200 billion. Following his capture and death, things didn’t seem that way at first – but authorities were able to trace $70 billion in cash and assets a few months after his death. Months after still, sources like BBC and Sunday Times traced other billion dollar assets like property, fleets of private planes and ownership stakes in everything from banks to football clubs.
7. WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR: $229 BILLION
In 1066, the guy invaded and took over all of England. Nuff’ said.
6. MIR OSMAN ALI KHAN: $236 BILLION
Mr Khan used a diamond worth $95 million dollars as.. a paperweight in his office. He ruled Hyderabad until the Indian invasion and was a fan of gold and jewelry (the city was a mecca for it). His collection alone was worth over $500 million.
5. TSAR NICHOLAS II OF RUSSA: $300 BILLION
Jeez these numbers are getting huge. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia ruled the entire Russian Empire for many years (1894-1917) and he was worth $900 million then – which, when adjusted for inflation now, is closer to $300 billion. Him and his family were eventually murdered, thus, overthrown. Bummer.
4. ANDREW CARNEGIE: $310 BILLION
The steel tycoon made much of his fortune during the sale of Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan for $480 million, which today would be equal to $310 billion big ones. He was big one charity and gave away virtually all of his fortune to the less fortunate.
3. JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER: $340 BILLION
When Rockefeller died in 1937 he was worth over $340 billion when adjusted for inflation and is one of the richest people in human history. And that’s no surprise when you remember he was the founder of Standard Oil, which help a monopoly over the entire U.S. market for some time.
He is also credited for helping eradicate everything from hookworm to yellow fever through his immense contributions to everything from medicine to education and research.
2. THE ROTHSCHILDS: $350 BILLION
Ah, the Rothschilds. The name alone conjures up images of crests and incalculable wealth. Mayer Amschel Rothschild, born 1744, is credited as establishing major banking and finance in Europe. Soon, his finance business spread and he appointed his sons as chairs of their own respective branches. Now, the Rothschild business encompasses everything from wine and farming to mining and banking.
1. MANSA MUSA: $400 BILLION
Mansa Musa, a West African King, is the richest person in human history. He was worth an absolutely staggering $400 billion dollars at his time of death in 1311. He ruled the entire West African empire, which encompassed everywhere from Ghana to Timbuktu and everything in between. At the time, West Africa was responsible for more than half of the world’s salt and gold production: two of the most valuable commodities of the time.
I know what your thinking. “The richest people in history? Warren Buffet. Bill Gates. Or wait, no. Rockefeller! Carnegie!” And for the record, you’d be way off. At least with the first two. Surprisingly, Buffet and Gates are rather low on the list. Rockefeller and Carnegie aren’t though. But who’s number 1? Well, that answer might surprise some. Like most magnates and titans, let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.
25. WARREN BUFFET: $64 BILLION
Warren Buffet is widely considered the greatest and most successful investor in history. And rightfully so. The man has managed to amass a $64 billion dollar fortune! While still in high school, he made his first big purchase: a pinball machine. Soon, they owned several machines and as they say, the rest is history.
24. SAM WALTON: $65 BILLION
Ah, the Waltons. In 1992, Sam Walton had a net worth of $66 billion, just a billion over Buffet. Ten years after his death that ballooned to over $100 billion. Staggering. But still not much compared to the others on this list..
23. MARSHALL FIELD: $66 BILLION
Mr Field was a real estate mogul and co-founder of a Chicago based department store chain. Adjusted for inflation, he would both worth about $66 billion big ones. A little known fact: he co-founded The University of Chicago with John D. Rockefeller.
22. STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER: $68 BILLION (TIED)
You may have never heard of Stephen Van Rensselaer before, but once you know what he had his wealth might make sense to you. He owned much of New York State, including Manhattan. He was also a politician (Lieutenant Governor) who was loved by the people for offering fair land leases and rates for farmers.
22. CARLOS SLIM: $68 BILLION (TIED)
Carlos Slim is the richest living person today with a net worth of over $68 billion. He is the chairman and chief executive officer of the largest telecommunications company in Latin America. This accounts for well over half of his wealth.
21. JAY GOULD: $71 BILLION
Jay Gould’s amassed a $71 billion fortune before he’s definitely 1800s. He was known as the “Robber Barron” who was said to have used questionable business practices to amass his wealth. He would pay workers poorly, buy out competitors who couldn’t keep up and then hike the market price up, pocketing the difference.
It’s even said that when gold began to rise, he hoped the cost of wheat would as well, which would then increase the amount of freight and transport required – fattening his pockets further. So he purchased huge sums of gold in an attempt to raise the price – and it worked.
20. FRIEDRICH WEYERHAUSER: $80 BILLION
Friedrich was a land owner who made his fortune in the timber and wood business. But he wasn’t just any land owner. More like the largest private land owner in America. When he died in the early 1900’s his estate was valued at $80 billion dollars when adjusted for inflation.
19. HENRY DUKE OF LANCASTER: $85.1 BILLION
Henry was a nobleman who lived in the 1300’s and was worth about $85 billion in modern money. His story to wealth isn’t too inspiring: an inheritance and a lucky marriage made him the wealthiest man in England.
18. ALEXANDER TURNEY STEWART: $90 BILLION
Alexander was responsible for creating the world’s largest department store chain and pioneered the mail-order shopping business. Using no more then $10,000 his grandfather left him when he passed, he took that money and opened up dry-foods store in New York. By the late 1800’s he had built the largest retail shop in the world right on Broadway.
Soon, it began to branch out into other parts of the world. The first floor of the store involved fashion shows while the second floor had fine european imports. People from all parts of the country wanted to buy from his stores, and he was the first person to start mail-ordering.
17. STEPHEN GIRARD: $105 BILLION
Stephen was a banking and shipping magnate who saved America from financial collapse during the War of 1812. Wow. He purchased stock in failing banks and opened his own with great success. When he died in 1831 he was worth $105 billion.
16. JOHN OF GAUNT: $110 BILLION
Again, like Henry the Nobleman, John’s story ain’t too inspiring. He was the son of England’s King Edward III and was given some super huge land grants when he became of age.
15. HENRY DUKE OF LANCASTER: $118.6 BILLION
Richard too, like John of Gaunt and Henry the Nobleman, was an English land owner in the 1300’s. He just so happened to own more land then them, hence the fatter pockets.
14. JOHN JACOB ASTOR: $121 BILLION
Now here’s a true hustler: John would buy furs from Canada on the cheap and flip them to wealthy women in New York. Then he used this money to acquire real estate in the same area he sold furs in. Then he sold his American Fur Company and began to really buy up land.
He predicted rapid growth on the north side of Manhattan, so he purchased as much as he could. But instead of selling it, he rented it out at exorbitant rates. Cheers to you John. Cheers.
13. WILLIAM DE WARENNE: $146.3 BILLION
William was a nobleman like some of the other folks on this list, except his acquisition of wealth was rewarded due to his great military service. He was critical part of the Battle of Hastings, thus, he was awarded vast land grants. When he died in 1088 he was worth a staggering $146+ billion. Christ.
12. BILL GATES: $136 BILLION
Although Gates is worth a little less than $65 billion now, during late 1999 he Microsoft stock was valued at a whopping $130+ billion. If you don’t know who Gates is, shame on you.
11. ALAN RUFUS: $178.65 BILLION
Like William De Warenne, Alan was a military man who happened to be the companion of William The Conqueror (the 7th richest person in human history). For all his help in William’s conquering, he was given 250,000 acres of land. That’s pretty.. huge.
10. CORNELIUS VANDERBILT: $185 BILLION
Ah, the great-great-great grandfather of CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Mr. Vanderbilt is the third richest American to ever live and amassed his fortune in the steamboat industry. But the steamboat industry isn’t what really catapulted him to such great heights of wealth. It was his investments in the railroad industry thereafter.
Side-note: his great-great granddaughter, Gloria Vanderbilt, is credited as one of the first early adopters of blue jeans.. and is Anderson Coopers momma! Listen to this SoundCloud interview Anderson had with Howard Stern where he details how and why he won’t receive an inheritance.
9. HENRY FORD: $199 BILLION
Henry Ford founded the legendary Ford Motor Company and is credited as developing the assembly line form of mass production. He is also credited as developing and manufacturing the first affordable car. His family still controls Ford.
8. MUAMMAR GADDAFI: $200 BILLION
This one surprised me. According to sources Muammar Gaddafi was worth $200 billion. Following his capture and death, things didn’t seem that way at first – but authorities were able to trace $70 billion in cash and assets a few months after his death. Months after still, sources like BBC and Sunday Times traced other billion dollar assets like property, fleets of private planes and ownership stakes in everything from banks to football clubs.
7. WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR: $229 BILLION
In 1066, the guy invaded and took over all of England. Nuff’ said.
6. MIR OSMAN ALI KHAN: $236 BILLION
Mr Khan used a diamond worth $95 million dollars as.. a paperweight in his office. He ruled Hyderabad until the Indian invasion and was a fan of gold and jewelry (the city was a mecca for it). His collection alone was worth over $500 million.
5. TSAR NICHOLAS II OF RUSSA: $300 BILLION
Jeez these numbers are getting huge. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia ruled the entire Russian Empire for many years (1894-1917) and he was worth $900 million then – which, when adjusted for inflation now, is closer to $300 billion. Him and his family were eventually murdered, thus, overthrown. Bummer.
4. ANDREW CARNEGIE: $310 BILLION
The steel tycoon made much of his fortune during the sale of Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan for $480 million, which today would be equal to $310 billion big ones. He was big one charity and gave away virtually all of his fortune to the less fortunate.
3. JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER: $340 BILLION
When Rockefeller died in 1937 he was worth over $340 billion when adjusted for inflation and is one of the richest people in human history. And that’s no surprise when you remember he was the founder of Standard Oil, which help a monopoly over the entire U.S. market for some time.
He is also credited for helping eradicate everything from hookworm to yellow fever through his immense contributions to everything from medicine to education and research.
2. THE ROTHSCHILDS: $350 BILLION
Ah, the Rothschilds. The name alone conjures up images of crests and incalculable wealth. Mayer Amschel Rothschild, born 1744, is credited as establishing major banking and finance in Europe. Soon, his finance business spread and he appointed his sons as chairs of their own respective branches. Now, the Rothschild business encompasses everything from wine and farming to mining and banking.
1. MANSA MUSA: $400 BILLION
Mansa Musa, a West African King, is the richest person in human history. He was worth an absolutely staggering $400 billion dollars at his time of death in 1311. He ruled the entire West African empire, which encompassed everywhere from Ghana to Timbuktu and everything in between. At the time, West Africa was responsible for more than half of the world’s salt and gold production: two of the most valuable commodities of the time.
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