John D. Rockefeller

Oil magnate

Modern influential 103 sayings

Sayings by John D. Rockefeller

Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.

unknown — Attributed, common business adage
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I would rather hire a man with enthusiasm than a man who knows everything.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited in business literature
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather hire a man with enthusiasm than a man who knows everything.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited in business literature
Strange & Unusual Disputed

I was early taught to work as well as play, My life has been a happy one, and I have found that work well done is the greatest pleasure.

1908 — Letter, cited in 'Titans of Fortune'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I was early taught to work as well as play, My life has been a happy one, and I have found that work well done is the greatest pleasure.

1908 — Letter, cited in 'Titans of Fortune'
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I have always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.

unknown — Attributed, often found in business books
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as sugar or coffee and I will pay more for that ability than for any other under the sun.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The ability to deal with people is as purchasable a commodity as sugar or coffee and I will pay more for that ability than for any other under the sun.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in biographies and self-help books
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I know of no other single thing that does so much to broaden the mind and enlarge the understanding as travel.

unknown — Attributed, often found in collections of his sayings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I know of no other single thing that does so much to broaden the mind and enlarge the understanding as travel.

unknown — Attributed, often found in collections of his sayings
Strange & Unusual Disputed

Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in business advice
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in business advice
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

God gave me my money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God, to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind. Having been endowed with the gift I possess, I believe it is my duty to make money and still more money and to use the money I make for the good of my fellow man according to the dictates of my conscience.

1905 — Interview, cited in 'John D. Rockefeller: The Wealthiest American'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

God gave me my money. I believe the power to make money is a gift from God, to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind. Having been endowed with the gift I possess, I believe it is my duty to make money and still more money and to use the money I make for the good of my fellow man according to the dictates of my conscience.

1905 — Interview, cited in 'John D. Rockefeller: The Wealthiest American'
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The greatest reward that in this life can come to a man is to be able to do good for his fellow man.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in philanthropic contexts
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest reward that in this life can come to a man is to be able to do good for his fellow man.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in philanthropic contexts
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable