Stephen Girard
A French-born American merchant and philanthropist who established Girard College for orphaned boys.
Core Belief
"Labor is essential for every human being, and wealth should be used for the benefit of mankind, especially for the education of the poor."
Worldview
A practical and pragmatic view of the world, focused on hard work, financial success, and the responsible use of wealth for the betterment of society.
Personality
Shrewd, energetic, independent, taciturn, and sometimes domineering, but also capable of great generosity and self-sacrifice. He valued labor and believed in self-reliance.
In Their Own Words
"We are all the subjects of what you call 'reverses of fortune.' The great secret is to make good use of fortune, and when reverses come, receive them with _sang froid_, and by redoubled activity and economy endeavor to repair them."
"I do not value fortune. The love of labor is my highest ambition."
"When I rise in the morning my only effort is to labor so hard during the day that when the night comes I may be enabled to sleep soundly."
Discussions with Stephen Girard
Other Characters from Famous Givers and Their Gifts
John Lowell, Jr.
A wealthy Boston merchant and philanthropist who established the Lowell Institute for free public lectures.
Andrew Carnegie
A Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who established numerous libraries.
Thomas Holloway
A British patent medicine manufacturer and philanthropist who founded a sanatorium and a women's college.
Charles Pratt
An American businessman and philanthropist who founded Pratt Institute.
Sophia Smith
A philanthropist who used her inheritance to found Smith College.
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