Malcolm Forbes

Malcolm Stevenson Forbes (August 19, 1919 – February 24, 1990) was an American publisher and businessman best known for transforming Forbes magazine into a global media brand while leading a life marked by opulence and flamboyance.

???? Early Life and Education

Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Forbes was the son of B.C. Forbes, the founder of Forbes magazine. He graduated from Princeton University in 1941 with a degree in politics and economics. During World War II, he served as a machine gunner in the 84th Infantry Division, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.

???? Career and Forbes Magazine

After the war, Forbes joined the family business, becoming president and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine in 1957. Under his leadership, the magazine's circulation and influence grew significantly. Forbes expanded the brand internationally, introduced new editorial features, and solidified its reputation as a leading source of business and financial news. He also served as a Republican member of the New Jersey Senate from 1951 to 1957 and ran for governor of New Jersey twice, though he was unsuccessful.

???? Lifestyle and Collecting

Forbes was renowned for his extravagant lifestyle, which included collecting over 365 works by Peter Carl Fabergé, including a dozen Imperial eggs. He also amassed a fleet of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, hot-air balloons, and luxury yachts. His yacht, The Highlander, was a symbol of his opulence, hosting lavish parties with dignitaries and celebrities. In 1970, he purchased the Mendoub Palace in Tangier, Morocco, where he hosted a grand 70th birthday celebration attended by 800 guests, including Elizabeth Taylor and Henry Kissinger.

???? Death and Legacy

Forbes passed away in 1990 at the age of 70. His son, Steve Forbes, succeeded him as chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine. Forbes's legacy includes his contributions to journalism, his promotion of capitalism, and his larger-than-life persona that captivated the public imagination.

???? Notable Quotes

  • “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”

  • “He who dies with the most toys is, nonetheless, dead.”

  • “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

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Articles by the author

Failure is success if we learn from it.

Malcolm Forbes

The best vision is insight.

Malcolm Forbes

Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.

Malcolm Forbes

When what we are is what we want to be, that's happiness.

Malcolm Forbes

When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always get worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.

Malcolm Forbes

When you cease to dream you cease to live.

Malcolm Forbes

Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.

Malcolm Forbes

The more sympathy you give, the less you need.

Malcolm Forbes

By the time we've made it, we've had it.

Malcolm Forbes

Few businessmen are capable of being in politics, they don't understand the democratic process, they have neither the tolerance or the depth it takes. Democracy isn't a business.

Malcolm Forbes