When reflecting on men of great wealth, the American oil tycoon J. Paul Getty (1892-1976) inevitably comes to mind. Listed as the richest man in the world in the 1966 Guinness Book of World Records, Getty’s vast fortune was accompanied by his famous remark: “If you can count money, you are not really rich.”

Known for his eccentric frugality, Getty wore the same clothes for over a decade and personally washed his socks during hotel stays. Guests at his residence were even instructed to use an outdoor payphone. In 1973, when the Mafia kidnapped his 16-year-old grandson, Getty’s refusal to pay the full ransom shocked the world.

Yet, Getty’s legacy is far more multifaceted. While parsimonious in his personal life, he was deeply passionate about art. Beginning in the 1930s, he devoted significant resources to collecting ancient sculptures, medieval manuscripts and impressionist paintings. Getty didn’t acquire these treasures solely for personal enjoyment; he ensured they were accessible to the public. Upon his passing in 1976, he bequeathed a substantial portion of his fortune to his........

© The Korea Times