Famous Quotes To Live By

Great men have lived before us and their experience should be a blueprint for our future actions. Here are ten quotes from extraordinary men who have accomplished extraordinary things and who have something to teach us about life, wealth, and character.

1. "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." -Henry Ford

If you remain focused, problems don't matter. Let's say you're considering expanding your company -- are you going to be deterred by the fact that you don't have enough employees to cover all the bases? Of course not, it's just a minor predicament. Keep your eyes on what you want to achieve -- the great innovator tells us -- and it will fly you forward on its own. Hurdles will be nothing but illusions.

2. "Be true to your work, your word, and your friend." -Henry David Thoreau

Who better than a famous humanist philosopher to tell us that loyalty always reaps benefits? Whether in your business or personal life, standing by your word, ideas, and comrades will always earn you the admiration and respect of others. Quid pro quo: if you're nice to others, others will be nice to you.

3. "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." -Robert Francis Kennedy

While it's true that we must always calculate the risks before venturing into the unknown, Bobby Kennedy reminds us that if you don't try anything, you won't get anything. Risk big, win big. The Wright brothers knew they were facing death when they tested their flying prototypes. But where would our society be without airplanes nowadays? Aim higher than you think you can achieve and you will surpass yourself.

4. "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." -Socrates

That Greek philosopher was one deep dude. Don't be afraid to acknowledge your ignorance and learn new things. People admire those who admit their mistakes or who feel no shame in asking about what they don't know. You don't know anything, realize it and take the necessary steps to rectify it. Enroll in continuing education courses and ask your colleagues when you need further clarifications; check your pride at the door.

5. "Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." -Dwight D. Eisenhower

This man achieved the highest military rank and became President of the United States because he mastered this art form. The best way to handle people is with a word of encouragement and a smile. Be kind toward subordinates; they work well when they're happy.

6. "The buck stops with the guy who signs the checks." -Rupert Murdoch

The media mogul offers a lesson in practicality. He who has money has the final word over just about anything. You can get the best table at a fully booked restaurant, get out of a traffic ticket, or get a massage the way you really want it. There might be rules and laws, protocols to follow, and authority figures to respect, but none of this matters if you have money to throw around.

7. "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." -Mark Twain

Twain might have been a popular author and humorist, but the man knew how to turn out a quote. In essence, he means: think big and encourage others to do the same -- you'll be appreciated for it. A charismatic leader will make you believe that you are destined for an exalted life as well. So listen only to the advice of people whose judgment you trust and by the same token, go out of your way to praise others.

8. "Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot from a winning touchdown." -H. Ross Perot

Although he's certainly driven this one home, Perot's point is to always go the extra mile, as you never know how close you really are to success. Is that why he didn't run for President in the last elections? Uhh... Nevertheless, if you constantly push yourself, victory might be closer than you think. For example, should space exploration have been canceled after the Apollo 1 disaster?

9. "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle

Basketball great Shaquille O'Neal recently paraphrased it as: "Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do." Who wants to argue with Shaq? Don't be satisfied with mediocrity; aspire to brilliance and do so continuously. If Shaq didn't give his 110% every game, he'd be the tallest used car salesman in America. Always strive for your best and let that be your calling card.

10. "The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them." -Benjamin Jowett

A 19th century English scholar who became famous for his translations of Plato's work, Jowett was also a man of the cloth. He suggests here a lesson in humility: Don't be self-centered -- teamwork always achieves more. The New England Patriots are what they are because they unite their strength behind the pursuit of a common purpose. The objective is more important than the celebration of your person.


source: quoteland.com