The subtitle of a 2022 bio of this magnate who died in 1976 is “the meek shall inherit the Earth – but not its mineral rights”
On the January 28, 2026 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue came from the category “20th Century Bigwigs.” The clue referenced a telling subtitle from a recent biography: “The meek shall inherit the Earth – but not its mineral rights.” Contestants were asked to identify the influential 20th-century figure associated with that quote and legacy. The correct response was revealed shortly after the iconic music faded.
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Who is Jean Paul Getty?
Jean Paul Getty, the correct response to the clue, was a towering figure in 20th-century business, particularly in the oil industry. Born in 1892, Getty rose to prominence as the founder of Getty Oil and, at one point, was considered the richest man in the world. His approach to wealth and business—especially in acquiring and managing oil assets—was often seen as coldly strategic and shrewd. The quote referenced in the clue, which Getty often repeated, exemplifies his unapologetically capitalist mindset.
The line itself—“The meek shall inherit the Earth, but not its mineral rights”—has long been attributed to Getty and later served as the subtitle of the 2022 biography The Contrarian: The Life and Legacy of Jean Paul Getty by Mark Seal. The phrase underscores Getty’s belief in the importance of control over valuable resources and his skepticism of idealistic platitudes when applied to the world of big business.
Getty’s Rise to Oil Tycoon Status
Getty’s career took off in the 1910s and 1920s, but his empire expanded significantly in the decades that followed. He made key investments in oil fields in the Middle East, most notably in Saudi Arabia, and developed a reputation for aggressive deal-making. His strategic positioning in the global oil trade not only made him immensely wealthy but also helped shape the international energy landscape during the postwar era.
By the 1950s and 1960s, Getty was a global figure synonymous with wealth and influence. He established a wide-reaching empire of oil production, refining, and distribution. In 1957, Fortune magazine named him the richest living American. Despite his immense fortune, Getty was famously frugal—stories of him installing a payphone in his mansion for guests remain legendary.
The Legacy and Biography Behind the Clue
The 2022 biography that inspired the clue provided new insights into Getty’s complicated legacy. Drawing on archival material and interviews, the book painted a nuanced picture of a man both brilliant and difficult. While he was admired for his business acumen, he was also criticized for his personal relationships, including with his family. One of the most well-known controversies involved his refusal to immediately pay ransom during the 1973 kidnapping of his grandson, a decision that drew worldwide scrutiny.
The biography’s subtitle captures the essence of Getty’s worldview. His prioritization of resources, control, and power over sentiment reflects a particular brand of American capitalism that thrived in the 20th century. That perspective, and the quote itself, continues to spark discussion about wealth, morality, and legacy in the business world.
Death and Continuing Influence
Jean Paul Getty died in 1976 at the age of 83, but his legacy continues through the Getty Trust, which oversees the J. Paul Getty Museum and other cultural and philanthropic initiatives. Despite his reputation for being tight-fisted in life, Getty left behind one of the world’s wealthiest philanthropic organizations, dedicated to the arts and cultural preservation.
Today, Getty’s name is more commonly associated with museums and charitable foundations than oil fields. Yet his impact on both industries is undeniable. He remains a symbol of the paradoxes of extreme wealth—brilliant, powerful, and controversial.
Final Thoughts on the January 28 Final Jeopardy
The clue from Jeopardy! did more than test contestants’ knowledge of 20th-century business figures—it prompted a reflection on the enduring influence of individuals like Jean Paul Getty. His name might not be as frequently invoked today in conversations about tech billionaires or Wall Street titans, but his legacy remains foundational in the story of modern capitalism. Through this clue, Jeopardy! spotlighted a figure whose life and philosophy continue to provoke debate, nearly 50 years after his death.
