The First Billion was the subject of an extensive review in Lexington Business this week. Columnist Paul Sanders went through the bestselling memoir of T. Boone Pickens with a fine-toothed comb, and he describes the work as “several books in one:”
It tells the remarkable story of how a child of the depression from Oklahoma grew up to be a famed oilman and daring entrepreneur. Pickens credits learning risk-taking from his father and the value of hard work from his mother. He used both to create strategies that took him in a meteoric rise from rags to riches. His determination, grit and ability to exceed expectations are all admirable.
Sanders also gives special attention to Chapter 13, which is titled “The Big Idea: An Energy Plan for America.”
This is the basis for what has come to be known as The Pickens Plan, a campaign to convince America to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and develop its own energy plan.
Starting in July 2008, Pickens has spent $58 million in national advertising to promote the plan. He believes we need to develop multiple sources, including solar, nuclear, shale oil, liquefied coal and particularly wind.
If this seems audacious for an oilman, it is. After reading his book and developing an understanding of this outstanding individual, it comes as less of a surprise. Pickens shows his characteristic perseverance in the closing lines:
“This country deserves an energy plan, and by God I’m going to stay in there until we get one.”
Knowing his history and his character, it would be difficult to doubt him.
Read the entire review HERE.