Henry Ford

You don’t have to hold a position in order to be a leader.

Of all the follies the elder generation falls victim to this is the most foolish, namely, the constant criticism of the younger element who will not be and cannot be like ourselves because we and they are different tribes produced of different elements in the great spirit of Time.

I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can’t be done.

People who are capable of and fit for freedom liberate themselves from physical thralldom by substituting mind for muscle.

President Hoover has done everything any one could do to bring about improvement in business and industry. Everything President Hoover has advised or tried to put into effect has been sound.

As we advance in life we learn the limits of our abilities.

[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.’]

I was the most productive when I was in a flex situation. Do not check for me for needless meetings.

I notice increasing reluctance on the part of marketing executives to use judgment; they are coming to rely too much on research, and they use it as a drunkard uses a lamp post for support, rather than for illumination.

When bankers get into business they usually destroy it.

What’s the quickest way to become a millionaire? Borrow fivers off everyone you meet.

The best way to make money in business is not to think too much about making it.

The worst of times often create the best opportunities to make good deals.

I do not believe a man can ever leave his business. He ought to think of it by day and dream of it by night.

Founding a company is hard. Most of it isn’t smooth. You’ll have to make very hard decisions. You have to fire a few people. Therefore, if you don’t believe in your mission, giving up is easy. The majority of founders give up. But the best founders don’t give up.

I avoid clients for whom advertising is only a marginal factor in their marketing mix. They have an awkward tendency to raid their advertising appropriations whenever they need cash for other purposes.

Should I give up my career at this point in my life… and put all my marbles in Laura’s [Nyro] basket?

The best of merchandise will go back to the shelf unless handled by a conscientious, tactful salesman.

On the average, five times as many people read the headline as read the body copy. When you have written your headline, you have spent eighty cents out of your dollar.

The golden rule for every businessman is this: Put yourself in your customer’s place.

Listen – it makes you sound smarter.