Sassoon Family: A two-century legend of Escape, Entrepreneurship, and Expansion

The Sassoon family, once described as "unmotivated to be pioneers," did not rush to seize opportunities or strive to be the first in business, but always managed to stay ahead of others. As their business grew, they became one of the wealthiest Jewish families in the world. David Sassoon, who claimed to be a descendant of King David, was born in Iraq and was originally wealthy and well-known in the area. However, he was forced to flee to Mumbai after offending those in power. He then formed a business with his eight sons, relying on the trades of opium and cotton across two major markets of India and China, creating a grand commercial empire. With great wealth, the descendants of the Sassoon family made friends with the powerful. They succeeded in investments, and expanded their influence throughout the world. The descendants also excelled in different fields such as politics, business, and culture. But later, due to the fact that the descendants did not marry or have children, the family's headcount continued to shrink, and its development could not sustain. By delving into the story of the Sassoon family, not only can we see the interaction between family inheritance and business ups and downs, but also grasp how commercial power influences the development of modern China and the world.