W. Clement Stone

Date of Birth: May 4, 1902

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 3, 2002

Biography

William Clement Stone, commonly known as W. Clement Stone, was an American businessman, philanthropist, and self-help book author. He was born on May 4, 1902, in Chicago, Illinois. Stone’s early life was marked by hardship; his father died when he was just three years old, leaving his family destitute. Stone began working at a young age to help support his family, selling newspapers on the streets of Chicago. Despite these early struggles, Stone exhibited a keen business acumen. He transitioned from selling newspapers to insurance, where he found his true calling. At the age of 16, he founded his own insurance company, the Combined Insurance Company of America, which later became Aon Corporation, one of the largest insurance firms in the world. Stone was not just a businessman; he was also a proponent of the power of positive thinking. He co-authored “Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude” with Napoleon Hill, which became a best-seller and inspired many to pursue self-improvement and success. Stone was a major philanthropist, donating millions to various causes and establishing the W. Clement and Jessie V. Stone Foundation to support education, mental health, and youth development. Stone passed away on September 3, 2002, but his legacy continues through his writings, philanthropic efforts, and the lasting impact of his business ventures.

5 Interesting Facts about W. Clement Stone

1. Stone founded his own insurance company at the age of 16.

2. He co-authored the best-selling book “Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude.”

3. Stone was a major philanthropist, donating millions to various causes.

4. His company, Combined Insurance Company of America, later became Aon Corporation.

5. Stone’s philanthropic foundation focuses on education, mental health, and youth development.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from W. Clement Stone

1. “Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.”

2. “Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

3. “Have the courage to face the truth.”

4. “To solve a problem or to reach a goal, you don’t need to know all the answers in advance. But you must have a clear idea of the problem or the goal you want to reach.”

5. “Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.”