Lexington, KY - A book by a billionaire on how to make your first billion may seem like an absurd reading choice as the United States continues to saunter through recession, high unemployment and a weakening dollar. But if that billionaire is T. Boone Pickens, and the account is not just a story of one man's past but the country's possible future, the choice can be both smart and inspired.
Pickens, now 81 years old, ranks among the world's richest men. As the force behind BP Capital, he heads one of the most successful energy companies in the United States. In the May 2009 issue of TIME, no less than Ted Turner explained why Pickens ranks second in the "Builders and Titans" category of the world's most influential people.
The First Billion is the Hardest is several books in one. It tells the remarkable story of how a child of the depression from Oklahoma grew up to be a famed oilman and daring entrepreneur. Pickens credits learning risk-taking from his father and the value of hard work from his mother. He used both to create strategies that took him in a meteoric rise from rags to riches. His determination, grit and ability to exceed expectations are all admirable.
Pickens also seeks to inspire the millions of Americans that are "entering the fourth quarter." He challenges them to play the last period of life as hard as a freshman in his first game. Work is important, he argues, as well as fun. This book shares his insights on work, leadership and management, gleaned from 80 years of experience.
Finally, the audacious oilman also wants to convey a message about energy.
"Our country is facing a crisis," he writes. "I fear we have some very dark days ahead."
"I love this country too much to remain silent about the way America's political leadership has failed to tackle what I believe is one of the greatest threats ever to face this nation: Our crippling dependence on foreign oil," he adds.
In this book, Pickens seeks not just to identify the problems, but offer solutions. To illustrate his insights, he gives a list of "Booneisms," or lessons that his own experiences have proven. These are presented bluntly, with no lack of flair. Among his Boonerisms: