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 Jeopardy! episode airing Wednesday, January 28, 2026, contestants were faced with a challenging Final Jeopardy clue in the category “20th Century Bigwigs.” The clue offered a subtle nod to one of the most controversial and powerful industrialists of the last century. It read: “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.'” The correct response pointed to a man whose name is synonymous with oil, wealth, and ruthless business dealings.
Who is J. Paul Getty?
The correct response to the clue was: Who is J. Paul Getty? Jean Paul Getty was an American industrialist and founder of the Getty Oil Company. Born in 1892, Getty made his fortune through the petroleum industry, particularly during the boom years of the early and mid-20th century. By the 1950s, he was one of the richest men in the world, and in 1957, Fortune magazine named him the richest living American.
Getty was known not just for his wealth but also for his tightfisted reputation, which became the stuff of legend. One of the most infamous stories about him involves the 1973 kidnapping of his grandson, John Paul Getty III. Getty initially refused to pay the ransom, citing fears that it would encourage the kidnapping of his other grandchildren. He eventually agreed to pay a portion of the ransom—but only after months of negotiation and after the kidnappers cut off his grandson’s ear.
A Biography with a Sharp Subtitle
The clue references the 2022 biography titled “The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth, But Not Its Mineral Rights: The Ruthless World of J. Paul Getty.” The subtitle is a paraphrase of a quote often attributed to Getty himself, highlighting his unapologetically capitalist mindset. This quote encapsulates his belief in private ownership, resource control, and the stark divisions between wealth and the rest of society. Whether or not Getty ever said those exact words, they have come to represent the ethos of his career and public persona.
The biography explores not only Getty’s rise in the oil business but also his complex personal life and eccentricities. Known for installing a payphone in his mansion and for being frugal despite his immense wealth, Getty remains a figure of contradiction: a man who built a vast art collection and founded the Getty Museum, but who also struggled with family relationships and public perception.
Legacy of Power and Controversy
Getty’s business strategies often reflected a single-minded focus on maximizing profits and outmaneuvering competitors. He expanded his oil empire internationally, securing lucrative leases in the Middle East and navigating complex political and economic landscapes. His legacy in the energy sector is still felt today, especially in how oil conglomerates operate and influence global affairs.
However, Getty’s personal legacy is more complex. While he contributed significantly to the arts through the J. Paul Getty Trust, the largest cultural and philanthropic institution in the visual arts, he was also seen as emotionally distant and controlling. His family faced numerous tragedies and scandals, reinforcing the perception that immense wealth does not necessarily equate to personal happiness or family stability.
Relevance to Modern Viewers
The Jeopardy! clue’s choice to highlight Getty in the “20th Century Bigwigs” category reflects continued public fascination with the lives of the ultra-wealthy and how they shape society. Getty’s life story combines elements of ambition, innovation, and controversy—traits that continue to define influential business figures today. The pointed subtitle of the biography referenced in the clue also serves as a critique of unchecked capitalism and the persistence of wealth inequality.
For modern audiences, Getty’s story serves both as a historical lesson and a cautionary tale. It illustrates the immense power held by those who control natural resources and the complex moral terrain they navigate—or avoid—in pursuit of profit.
Final Thoughts
J. Paul Getty’s selection as the correct response in Final Jeopardy underscored his lasting place in American and global economic history. The clue’s reference to the sharp subtitle of a recent biography captured the essence of his legacy: brilliant, controversial, and, at times, coldly pragmatic. While Getty left behind priceless art collections and a business empire, he also became a symbol of the emotional and ethical costs that can accompany extreme wealth.