This essay will argue that although Vanderbilt is considered one of the most successful men in American history, he was actually a wicked and heartless. This is evidenced by the closure of the largest railway port. He should not be considered a good person because he closed one of the biggest railroads which caused a lot of unrest. Vanderbilt was known to be the most successful man, but what people don't know is that he started by taking $100 from his mother and piloting a passenger boat to an island. He started with steamboats, then built the railroad, but he was not a good man to work with. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get Original Essay As you know, Vanderbilt was known to be the most successful man, but he started by taking 100 dollars from his mother. Vanderbilt took this trait from his mother of spending less than you earn and then saving and investing the difference. He controlled his money, investing it and spending it wisely while seeking value for every dollar he spent. Vanderbilt grew his empire debt-free. He never borrowed money. Not once. Almost until the day of his death, where he was never accepted by the rich class because he never flaunted his money or wealth. Vanderbilt invested his profits in steamboats, he loaned his money to other businessmen, he bought real estate and shares in private companies. He personally invested millions in the construction of Grand Central Station, one of the largest train depots in the world. He didn't come for money, but he was self-taught, while the habits he practiced throughout his life, such as living below his means, helped him take care of his health. At his death, Vanderbilt's estate was valued at $100,000,000. That was in 1877. In today's dollars, that would be about $2.3 billion, making him the richest man in America at the time. Vanderbilt was considered a man of few words, he rarely spoke. He let others talk and preferred to listen and hear what others had to say, but he never allowed other people's criticism to affect him or his decisions. He was also considered a very good judge of character. He embraced individuals of high moral character and went to war against those who were dishonest or untrustworthy. Vanderbilt's word was considered as good as gold. He never wanted to go back on his word. All who did business with Vanderbilt found him to be a man of great integrity. Vanderbilt spent his life building relationships with other success-minded people – people who would be able to open doors for him that were closed. He sought out Thomas Gibbons, a very wealthy and successful individual in the steamboat industry and spent the first decade of his life as an employee of Gibbons. He learned everything about business from Gibbons, who mentored and shaped him. Gibbons was the only employer he would ever have. Vanderbilt understood that to be successful, you must build a team of disciples who buy into your vision. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Vanderbilt embraced new technologies, such as the steamboat, and new forms of business, such as the stock corporation. He had invested all his profits in the steamboat and had.