Henry R. Luce

Date of Birth: April 3, 1898

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: February 28, 1967

Biography

Henry Robinson Luce was an influential American magazine magnate, born on April 3, 1898, in Tengchow, China. His parents were Presbyterian missionaries, which led Luce to spend much of his early life in China before being sent to the United States for his education. He attended the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut and later enrolled at Yale University, where he was a member of the prestigious Skull and Bones society. Luce co-founded Time magazine in 1923 with Briton Hadden, revolutionizing the news industry by providing concise, comprehensive summaries of the week’s news. His success with Time led him to launch other major publications, including Fortune in 1930, Life in 1936, and Sports Illustrated in 1954. These magazines had a profound impact on American culture and journalism, shaping public opinion and taste for decades. Luce’s editorial philosophy was often characterized by a strong patriotic and anti-communist stance, reflecting his personal beliefs. His publications were known for their high-quality photojournalism and in-depth reporting. Luce’s work earned him numerous accolades, and he is often remembered as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century media. He married twice, first to Lila Hotz, with whom he had two children, and later to Clare Boothe Luce, a prominent playwright, politician, and diplomat. Henry R. Luce passed away on February 28, 1967, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of publishing.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry R. Luce

1. Henry Luce co-founded Time magazine with Briton Hadden in 1923.

2. He launched Fortune magazine during the Great Depression in 1930.

3. Luce’s Life magazine was known for its groundbreaking photojournalism.

4. He was a member of the Skull and Bones society at Yale University.

5. Luce received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1968.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry R. Luce

1. “I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world.”

2. “Business more than any other occupation is a continual dealing with the future; it is a continual calculation, an instinctive exercise in foresight.”

3. “Time should be used to create the world anew.”

4. “Publishing is a business, but journalism never was and is not essentially a business. Nor is it a profession.”

5. “There are men who can write poetry, and there are men who can read balance sheets. The men who can read balance sheets cannot write.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry R. Luce’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $100 million at the time of his death in 1967, which would be significantly higher when adjusted for inflation today.

Children

Henry R. Luce had two children with his first wife, Lila Hotz: 1. Henry Luce III (1925–2005) – He followed in his father’s footsteps and became an influential editor and publisher. 2. Peter Paul Luce (1930–1997) – He had a career outside the publishing industry.