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Aristotle Onassis
Greek-Argentine Business Magnate
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Aristotle Onassis
Aristotle Onassis: From Refugee to Shipping Magnate
Aristotle Onassis started with nothing. Born in 1906 in Smyrna, Ottoman Empire, he fled to Greece as a refugee in 1922 after the Greco-Turkish War. His family lost everything.
"We had to start from scratch," Onassis later recalled.
At 17, Onassis arrived in Argentina with just $250 in his pocket. He took a job as a telephone operator, working nights and studying commerce during the day. Hungry for success, he eavesdropped on business calls to gain insider knowledge.
The opportunity came in tobacco. Onassis used his language skills and connections to import Turkish tobacco to Argentina. It was cheaper and popular with Greek immigrants. He built relationships with suppliers and buyers, working tirelessly to grow his business.
"I learned early that being a 'good Greek boy' was not enough to succeed," Onassis said. "You had to shake things up."
And shake things up he did. By 25, Onassis had made his first million dollars. But he wanted more.
Shipping was the next frontier. During the Great Depression, Onassis bought his first cargo ships at bargain prices. Others thought he was crazy. He saw opportunity.
"The secret of business is to know something that nobody else knows," he explained.
World War II presented both challenges and opportunities. Onassis registered his fleet in Panama to avoid restrictions. He secured lucrative contracts with the U.S. government to transport supplies.
After the war, Onassis expanded aggressively. He bought surplus tankers and Liberty ships. He pioneered the use of supertankers to transport oil more efficiently.
It wasn't all smooth sailing. Onassis faced fierce competition from established shipping magnates. He battled allegations of illegal practices. His personal life became tabloid fodder.
But Onassis persevered. By the 1960s, his fleet was one of the largest in the world. He owned over 70 vessels, including 40+ supertankers.
Beyond shipping, Onassis diversified. He bought Olympic Airways in 1957, transforming Greece's national carrier. He invested in Monaco's casinos and hotels. He even tried whaling for a time.
At his peak, Onassis was worth an estimated $500 million ($3 billion today). From refugee to one of the world's richest men.
"We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds," Onassis reflected.
His legacy is complex. Critics point to his ruthless business tactics and tumultuous personal life. Admirers praise his vision and tenacity.
Undeniably, He saw opportunities others missed. He took big risks. He worked relentlessly.
In the end, Onassis built an empire that reshaped global shipping. Not bad for a refugee who started with $250.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Boldness trumps caution. Onassis didn't wait for perfect conditions. He jumped at opportunities others overlooked. When he saw cheap surplus ships after World War II, he bought them. Fast. This move laid the foundation for his shipping empire. "The secret of business is to know something that nobody else knows," Onassis said. He acted on insights before others caught on.
Lesson 2: Your appearance matters. Onassis understood the power of appearance. He dressed impeccably, even when he couldn't afford it. He knew looking successful would open doors. "To be successful, you have to act big, think big and talk big," he said.
Lesson 3: Persistence beats talent. Onassis was relentless in pursuing deals. "If you don't answer his letters or his calls, he's showing up in person," a past colleague said. He wore down resistance through sheer determination. Don't take no for an answer if you believe in your idea.
Lesson 4: Make your own rules. Onassis said, "The rule is there are no rules." He didn't play by the established norms of the shipping industry. He bought surplus ships when no one else would. He built bigger tankers than anyone thought possible. Create your own playbook. The old rules don't apply to new games.
Lesson 5: Network relentlessly. Onassis built relationships with everyone from shipping magnates to Hollywood stars. He knew the power of connections. "You will understand that if you make things easier for others you will earn their liking," he said.
Aristotle Onassis Quotes
On resilience: "We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds."
On focus: "Don't sleep too much. If you sleep three hours less each night for a year, you will have an extra month and a half to succeed in."
On risk-taking: "Never start a job, a battle, or a relationship, if the fear of losing overshadows the prospect of success."
On perception: "To be successful, keep looking tanned, live in an elegant building (even if you're in the cellar), be seen in smart restaurants (even if you only nurse one drink) and if you borrow, borrow big."
On competition: "I have no friends and no enemies - only competitors."
On the game: "After a certain point, money is meaningless. It ceases to be the goal. The game is what counts."
On self-care: "Take care of your body. Be as good to it as possible. Don't worry about incidents."
On rules: "The rules are... there are no rules."
On ownership: "The more you own, the more you know you don't own."
Speeches
- Aristotle Onassis - Quotes (Audio) - YouTube
- 20 Famous Quotes of Aristotle Onassis
- Aristóteles Onassis the best quotes to listen and reflect on - YouTube
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