Owen D. Young Quotes

A collection of quotes by Owen D. Young.

Owen D. Young was an influential American industrialist, lawyer, and diplomat. Born on October 27, 1874, in Van Hornesville, New York, he grew up in modest circumstances. However, Young's talents and hard work led him to become one of the most prominent figures in American business and politics during the early 20th century.

Young graduated from St. Lawrence University in 1894 and then went on to study law at Boston University. He soon joined the legal department of the General Electric Company (GE), where he quickly rose through the ranks. By 1919, Young had become GE's president, leading the company to unprecedented success.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Young played a crucial role in shaping international economic policy. In 1929, he chaired the committee that negotiated an agreement to reschedule Germany's World War I reparations payments, known as the Young Plan. This plan aimed to ease the financial burden on post-war Germany, stabilizing the global economy.

Young's diplomatic talents also led him to serve as a key advisor to several U.S. presidents. He played a vital role in developing economic policies during the administrations of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman.

Additionally, Young was heavily involved in educational philanthropy, serving as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Rockefeller Foundation and helping establish the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University.

Owen D. Young's remarkable career spanned the fields of law, business, and diplomacy, leaving an indelible mark on American history.