Rockefeller, a business genius and arguably one of the most influential men in American history, has a history steeped in paradox. Rockefeller biographer Chernow says: “What makes him problematic – and why he continues to inspire ambivalent reactions – is that his good side was just as good as his bad side was bad. Rarely has history produced such a contradictory figure” (np/nd http://www.johndrockefeller.org). As a savvy businessman and devout Christian, many struggle to reconcile the two. Even as a child, his upbringing and the divergence between his parents were extreme. However, it was his strict religious upbringing that determined his business practices. Rockefeller's belief, from an early age, that God would guide him through any difficult time guided him throughout his life and career. He had enormous faith and belief in his values. His drive to strictly adhere to his vision and remain singularly focused was drawn from his religious upbringing and resulted in unprecedented success for any entrepreneur. John D. Rockefeller was born to a devout Baptist mother and a father who often left his family unattended. While her father was busy selling tonics and flirting, her mother had to take care of the house and children alone for long periods of time. Her father was so ostentatious that he had a mistress at home, posing as a housekeeper early in the marriage. He had fathered 4 children between the two women in as many years. Much later, he was also a bigamist. His father often uprooted the family, moving them from place to place and then leaving to pursue some sort of enterprising activity. But Rockefeller's mother used her faith to support her, and the children were deeply annoyed...... middle of paper ...... Mar. 2011. "John D. Rockefeller and the oil industry." The free man | Ideas about freedom. Internet. March 19, 2011. “John D. Rockefeller.” John D. Rockefeller. Internet. March 19, 2011. Poole, Keith. "American Experience | The Rockefellers | People and Events." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. Internet. March 19, 2011. “The Standard Oil Monopoly, by the Linux Information Project (LINFO). » The Linux Information Project (LINFO) home page. Internet. March 19, 2011. .Weinberg, Steve. Taking Confidence: The Epic Battle of Ida Tarbell and John D. Rockefeller. New York: WW Norton, 2008. Print.