Money is in some respects life's fire: it is a very excellent servant, but a terrible master.
P. T. BarnumRead
No man has a right to expect to succeed in life unless he understands his business, and nobody can understand his business thoroughly unless he learns it by personal application and experience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Success requires a deep understanding of one's work, gained through personal effort and experience.
P. T. Barnum emphasizes the importance of comprehending one's business to achieve success. He argues that theoretical knowledge is not enough; true mastery comes from hands-on experience and active engagement in one's work, suggesting that effort and personal involvement are essential for true understanding and subsequent success.
Themes
SuccessUnderstandingExperienceBusinessLearning
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at a business conference.
More from P. T. Barnum
All quotes →The common man, no matter how sharp and tough, actually enjoys having the wool pulled over his eyes, and makes it easier for the puller.
P. T. BarnumRead
True economy consists in always making the income exceed the out-go. Wear the old clothes a little longer if necessary; dispense with the new pair of gloves; mend the old dress: live on plainer food if need be; so that, under all circumstances, unless some unforeseen accident occurs, there will be a margin in favor of the income.
P. T. BarnumRead
No man ever went broke overestimating the ignorance of the American public.
P. T. BarnumRead
I don't care what the newspapers say about me as long as they spell my name right.
P. T. BarnumRead
The desire for wealth is nearly universal, and none can say it is not laudable, provided the possessor of it accepts its responsibilities, and uses it as a friend to humanity.
P. T. BarnumRead
Similar quotes
Every person who wins in any undertaking must be willing to cut all sources of retreat. Only by doing so can one be sure of maintaining that state of mind known as a burning desire to win - essential to success.
Napoleon HillRead
Most years, if you were to ask me how much I make, the genuine answer is that I have no clue. I usually find out the answer to that question once a year, at tax time, when my accountant tells me.
Simon SinekRead
I got the chance to be the secretary of state; I'm an international relations specialist. It doesn't get better than that.
Condoleezza RiceRead
What makes the difference between a great player and just a normal player is dedication, work, commitment.
Thierry HenryRead
There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.
Mark TwainRead
I have met many entrepreneurs who have the passion and even the work ethic to succeed - but who are so obsessed with an idea that they don't see its obvious flaws. Think about that. If you can't even acknowledge your failures, how can you cut the rope and move on?
Kevin O'LearyRead