Malcolm Forbes

Malcolm Forbes was a renowned American publisher, best known for his role as the publisher of Forbes magazine, a publication founded by his father, B.C. Forbes. He was a prominent figure in the world of business journalism, and his magazine featured articles on entrepreneurship, investing, and technology, often highlighting the lives and achievements of successful individuals such as Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller, and Andrew Carnegie. Forbes was also known for his extensive collection of Fabergé eggs, which he showcased at his estate, Highlands, in New Jersey. His interests and pursuits often intersected with those of other notable figures, including Nelson Rockefeller, David Rockefeller, and William F. Buckley Jr..

● Early Life and Education

Malcolm Forbes was born in New York City to B.C. Forbes and Adelaide Mary Stevenson, and he spent his childhood in New York and New Jersey. He attended Princeton University, where he studied politics and economics, and was a member of the Ivy Club. During his time at Princeton University, he was influenced by the ideas of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes, which later shaped his views on capitalism and free enterprise. Forbes also developed an interest in aviation, which led him to become a licensed pilot and own several airplanes, including a Learjet and a Grumman Gulfstream II. His love of aviation brought him into contact with other notable figures, such as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Howard Hughes.

● Career

Forbes began his career in publishing at Forbes magazine, working under the guidance of his father, B.C. Forbes. He eventually took over as publisher and expanded the magazine's focus to include articles on technology, entrepreneurship, and investing, featuring profiles of successful individuals such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett. Forbes was also a prolific writer and published several books, including "Fact and Comment", which showcased his views on politics, economics, and business. His writing often touched on the lives and achievements of notable figures, including Ronald Reagan, Milton Friedman, and Margaret Thatcher. Forbes was a strong advocate for free enterprise and capitalism, and he often clashed with proponents of socialism and communism, such as Fidel Castro, Mao Zedong, and Leon Trotsky.

● Personal Life

Forbes was known for his extravagant lifestyle, which included a collection of Fabergé eggs, yachts, and airplanes. He was also a prolific traveler and visited numerous countries, including France, Italy, China, and Russia. Forbes was a member of several exclusive clubs, including the Explorers Club and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. His personal life often intersected with that of other notable figures, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Elizabeth Taylor. Forbes was also a supporter of various charities, including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, and he often donated to causes supported by Nelson Rockefeller, David Rockefeller, and William F. Buckley Jr..

● Philanthropy

Forbes was a dedicated philanthropist and supported various causes, including education and healthcare. He was a major donor to Princeton University and established the Forbes Foundation, which provided scholarships to students from underprivileged backgrounds. Forbes also supported the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association, and he often worked with other notable figures, such as Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, and Ronald Reagan, to promote public health initiatives. His philanthropic efforts often brought him into contact with other prominent philanthropists, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and George Soros.

● Later Life and Death

Forbes passed away on February 24, 1990, at the age of 70, due to complications from heart disease. He was survived by his wife, Robertina Lazard, and his five children, including Steve Forbes, who succeeded him as publisher of Forbes magazine. Forbes's legacy continues to be felt in the world of business journalism, and his magazine remains a leading publication on entrepreneurship, investing, and technology. His life and achievements have been recognized by numerous organizations, including the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, and he remains an important figure in the lives of notable individuals, such as Donald Trump, Rupert Murdoch, and Michael Bloomberg.