Henry Ford

The satisfaction that arises from honest accomplishment is of far more value in the promotion of human happiness than the thrill that comes with the realization of materialistic aspirations.

When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.

Every business is a monarchy with, not a man, but an idea as king.

People are never so likely to be wrong as when they are organized. And they never have so little freedom. Perhaps that is why the people at large keep their freedom. People can be manipulated only when they are organized.

It is regrettable that people think about our monetary system, and of our economic structure, only in times of depression.

We wish all users of Ford cars to know what they are entitled to.

We get real results only in proportion to the real values we give.

Luck is always the last refuge of laziness and incompetence.

In business, cooperation is essential to success.

Many people – and I think I am one of them – are more productive when they’ve had a little to drink. I find if I drink two or three brandies, I’m far better able to write.

Listen more than you talk. Nobody learned anything by hearing themselves speak.

When bankers get into business they usually destroy it.

The way out of the depression is to start spending and doing things.

My advice to budding property developers: do it on the cheap and you’ll get a cheap price. Don’t avoid putting in skirting just because it’s hidden by a sofa.

Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.

Employers only handle the money – it is the customer who pays the wages.

The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.

Prune – prune businesses, products, activities, people. Do it annually.

On Beverly Hills we paid too much. One hundred per cent, we did over-pay. We didn’t do our research properly.

We do not hire a man’s history, we hire the man.

It was always my practice to train salespeople under my direct supervision, and to treat children with the utmost consideration.