"How to Be Rich" by Jean Paul Getty, Softcover, Jove Ed. (1983)
Jean Paul Getty was one of the 20th century’s wealthiest oil tycoons. Published in 1965 by Playboy Press, the book distills Getty’s philosophies on wealth, business, and success, emphasizing discipline, risk-taking, and strategic investment. Beyond practical advice, it reveals his complex persona—a man driven by ambition yet shadowed by controversy. Getty’s rumored ties to the underworld, including alleged dealings with organized crime and secret societies, add a layer of intrigue, hinting at the moral compromises behind his fortune. Equally compelling is his passion for choice art, which culminated in the creation of the Getty Center and Getty Villa in California, which house his vast collection of European paintings, sculptures, and antiquities - reflecting his belief that art preserved humanity's perfection. While the book doesn’t delve into these cultural facets, the book goes into basic knowledge he accumulated over his life to teach future leaders how to be a ruler of thy self.