Henry Ford

Politics in the true sense, have to do with the prosperity, peace and security of the people.

Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success.

A nation that knows how to work will never suffer.

There is no failure except failure to serve one’s purpose.

Depressions aren’t acts of God; like wars, they are the work of a small group of men who profit by them.

Hard knocks have a place and value, but hard thinking goes farther in less time.

First, make yourself a reputation for being a creative genius. Second, surround yourself with partners who are better than you are. Third, leave them to go get on with it.

[On his first job in the mailroom of William Morris a casting agency] It was the first time in the my life that I thought ‘I can do that.’

We’’ve designed swimming pools that turn into ballrooms, and fitted security devices that fill a garage with gas if someone is stealing your car.

Mass production is craftsmanship with the drudgery taken out of it.

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

In the Ford Motor Company we emphasize service equally with sales.

Paying good wages is not charity at all-it is the best kind of business.

[On Calvin Klein asking him ‘Why don’t you call it Geffen Records?’] People in the record business just don’t do that. They come up with names likes Asylum, Capricorn, or Island. [Calvin Klein said if you put your own name on the door ‘You’ll get laid more.’]

A well-run restaurant is like a winning baseball team. It makes the most of every crew member’s talent and takes advantage of every split-second opportunity to speed up service.

Hire people who are better than you are, then leave them to get on with it. Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine.

[on Steve jobs] Our relationship was based almost always on him calling up and asking, ‘Is this a good deal?’ I’m not in his business, and I wasn’t trying to be. I was just a guy who admired him a lot and was flattered he wanted my advice.

Determine to do some thinking for yourself. Don’t live entirely upon the thoughts of others. Don’t be an automaton.

The more informative your advertising, the more persuasive it will be.

The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.

About half my time is spent on business operation type stuff.