Gloria Steinem, the feminist icon who passed away this week at age 92, amassed an estimated net worth of $10 million through her decades-long career as an author, journalist, and public speaker, according to fortune.com. Despite advocating for equal pay for women, Steinem advised college graduates in 2018 to prioritize work aligned with their interests and talents over chasing high salaries.
Steinem’s advice came during an interview with The Cut in 2018, where she emphasized the importance of pursuing meaningful work rather than focusing on money. She said, “I would say do what you love, because each of us has unique interests and talents, and the more we can follow them, the more effective, happy, and successful we will be.” She also highlighted basic needs like housing and food but described money beyond that as “boring.”
Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1934, Steinem grew up in a trailer home with a traveling salesman father, moving frequently and rarely spending a full year at one school. This unconventional upbringing shaped her views on life and money. Her career spanned activism for women’s rights and cultural commentary, making her a defining figure in feminist history and a voice for social change.
In a 2024 interview with Architectural Digest, Steinem reflected on her childhood, recalling her longing for stability and a permanent home. Her legacy includes not only her activism but also her financial success, which she achieved while maintaining a focus on passion-driven work rather than wealth accumulation.