POOR PAUL GETTY

By Dr James Dobson

American educator William Lyon Phelps once said: “Every man who is happily married is a successful man, even if he has failed in everything else.” I certainly agree.

For many years, I lived a short drive from the J Paul Getty Museum in Southern California, which houses some of the most incredible artwork in the world. This priceless collection was just one small hobby for Getty, who was reportedly the richest man alive in his time. He ruled over an enormous oil empire. When asked how much he was worth, he answered: “Several billion dollars,” and he added: “… but remember, a billion dollars isn’t worth what it used to be.”

Getty was a workaholic. He had six failed marriages and poor relationships with his sons. His wives said that they could never share a life with this man who was possessed by an all-consuming passion for business. What do you suppose J Paul Getty thought about on his death bed in June 1976? Here’s one quote that opens a window into the soul of a very sad man. He said: “I hate and regret the failure of my marriages. I would gladly give all my millions for just one lasting marital success.”

So, J Paul Getty was perhaps the poorest man who ever lived. It’s my wish that we become both richer and wiser today, by learning from his mistakes.

From TODAY, Voices – Friday, 15-May-2009