Integrity. Diligence. Unity – The Story That Made “Rothschild” a Jewish Legend

The American author Mark Twain once wrote that Christians trusted Jewish honesty more than that of their fellow Christians. As evidence, he shared the extraordinary story of Mayer Amschel Rothschild — the father of the famous Rothschild dynasty.

Mayer Amschel ran a small trade business dealing in ancient coins, silver, and gold artifacts. His reputation for wisdom and integrity reached Prince Wilhelm of Hesse-Kassel, who appointed him as the financial manager of the principality. Mayer brought prosperity both to the prince and to himself.

In 1806, as Napoleon's forces swept across Germany, a carriage arrived secretly at Mayer Rothschild’s door. The prince whispered urgently:

“Please, hide my treasure — three million gold thalers — until the storm passes.”

Mayer and his sons quickly unloaded the sacks of coins and hid them in a secret basement beneath the house.

A few days later, French soldiers stormed the city. A troop surrounded Rothschild’s home. The commander burst in with a drawn bayonet:

“The prince left his fortune with you. If you don’t hand it over, we’ll execute your wife, your sons, and finally, you.”

Without panic, Rothschild walked to a painting on the wall, removed it, and revealed a hidden door. Inside was a well-organized storeroom filled with gold bars, rare coins, and antique silver and gold. The soldiers took everything and left — satisfied.

After they left, Mayer gathered his five sons and stunned them with a revelation:

“I remained loyal to the prince. What I gave the French was my own fortune. The prince’s treasure is still hidden and untouched. If I live to see him return, I will restore it to him myself. If not, I command you to return every last coin to him or his heirs.”

And then he added the three values that lit his path:

“Integrity. Diligence. Unity.”

Six years later, Mayer Amschel passed away. The following year, Napoleon was defeated, and Prince Wilhelm returned to power. Expecting his fortune long lost, he was stunned when Mayer’s eldest son, Amschel, arrived — and returned every last coin.

The prince was so moved that he renewed his trust in the Rothschild family, and their reputation and wealth continued to rise. The father's legacy — Integrity, Diligence, Unity — became the family’s motto and symbol for generations to come.