1782
John Fitch: Indian Captive
The steamboat innovator describes his capture.

1840s
Samuel Colt: I Won't Be Second
The man whose weapon "won the West" offers some career advice.

1869
Lewis Tappan: Is It Right to Be Rich?
A merchant and Abolitionist ponders the moral obligations of wealth.

1913
A. P. Giannini: Catering to the Small Depositor
The man who brought banking to the masses advertises his services to all.

1934
Samuel Insull: No Great Trouble Was Expected
A utlity magnate and Depression-era villain explains his reaction to the stock market crash.

1936
Thomas Watson, Sr.: Assets and Liabilities for Success
A letter from father to son on how to succeed in business.

1943
Juan Trippe: Prophet of Globalization
An air travel visionary predicts the future of international trade.

1959
Ruth Handler: Staying Home Wasn't in My Makeup
A legendary toy marketer talks about American women's aspirations.

1960
Ida Rosenthal: We Have Our Eyes Open
A magazine profiles the innovator behind the bra -- and a racy ad campaign.

2001
Russell Simmons: You Adapt to Us
A master marketer muses on strategies for black enterprise.

2004
Ted Turner: Respect for Everybody
The media mogul describes his world view.