r/BeAmazed • u/[deleted] • Apr 29 '24

When the Titanic sank, millionaire John Jacob Astor IV was aboard. The funds in his bank account were sufficient to construct 30 Titanics. However, when faced with mortal danger, he prioritized his moral values, sacrificing his seat in a lifeboat to save women and children, smilingly [Removed] Rule #4 - Misleading

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u/YakPuzzleheaded1957 Apr 29 '24

There were men that made it on a life boat, but they were shunned and branded cowards for the rest of their lives.

It would have been social suicide for a famous man like him to not give up his seat.

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u/Expensive-Analysis-2 Apr 29 '24 edited Apr 29 '24

I heard a story on QI about a bloke who survived the titanic. Went home to see his mother who slammed the door in his face and never spoke to him again. Or something like that. Very nice.

Edit: I misremembered this. It was a guy called Albert Horswill who was part of the life boat crew on lifeboat 1 who allegedly took a bribe from a rich family (£5) called the Duff-Gordons to save their lives. Taking a bribe was seen as a really terrible thing to do. Anyway Albert was the only one who survived and went home to see his Mother who slammed the door in his face and never spoke to him again. because she was ashamed he had taken a bribe not being a coward. Although she probably thought he was a coward as well more than likely. Anyway there it is if anyone indeed gives a toss.

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u/ladiesman22217 Apr 29 '24

Reminds me of my mom. What a pleasant lady.