As I See It: The Autobiography of J. Paul Getty
As I See It was one of the growing number of autobiographies I discovered through the Founders podcast. I’m always interested in learning about successful figures both past and present yet I’ll admit I knew very little about J. Paul Getty before coming across this one.
Many people tend to read autobiographies of figures they already know or admire. My approach tends to be a bit broader and less confined. Instead of sticking with what I know I seek out stories of entrepreneurs, pioneers, and business leaders from all eras to better understand the patterns of success and, importantly, the people behind them.
At just over 300 pages, As I See It is a mid-length read, and while some chapters move more slowly than others, I found it both engaging and enjoyable. It’s quite fascinating to get under the hood of someone who achieved such success during his era and to see what made him tick. There’s humour scattered throughout, but an underlying workaholism pervades the story which is perhaps inevitable given the scale of the empire Getty built.
That drive, however, did come at a cost. The book doesn’t shy away from the toll his ambitions took on his marriages and family life, including the loss of loved ones that clearly left deep scars. It’s both admirable and sobering to read such anecdotes, providing a reminder that the relentless pursuit of success rarely comes without sacrifice.
From an economic perspective, it’s also interesting to read Getty’s commentary with the benefit of hindsight. His observations on government debt and fiscal irresponsibility feel strikingly prescient. Reading them today, one can’t help but imagine what he’d make of the trillions in debt now carried by the U.S.
Across the chapters, Getty interweaves principles on business, discipline, and governance, although you shouldn’t come in expecting this to be a textbook on entrepreneurship. It’s more a personal reflection and a window into the mindset, habits, and worldview of one of the most successful businessmen of his time.
Who’s it for?
I’d class this as a “casual read” within the business biography genre. It’s accessible, insightful, and entertaining although I sense that some readers may find themselves feeling it’s a bit dated and may lose interest. If you’re interested in the lives of historic entrepreneurs or simply enjoy exploring the mindset of those who built great fortunes, As I See It is worth your time to try even if you feel like skipping a few chapters along the way.