Howard Hughes

Billionaire, extreme OCD recluse

Contemporary weird famous 172 sayings

Sayings by Howard Hughes

I want to be buried at sea. I don't want a gravestone.

1970s — Reported wish
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have to have my privacy. It's essential.

1950s-1970s — Reported need
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I never shake hands. It's unhygienic.

1960s-1970s — Reported habit during reclusiveness
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm a visionary. I see things others don't.

1930s — Reported self-perception
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a recluse. I'm just a private person.

1970s — Statement denying reclusiveness
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I like to work all night. That's when I do my best thinking.

1950s — Reported habit
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have to have my food prepared a certain way.

1960s-1970s — Reported habit during reclusiveness
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't believe in God. I believe in myself.

1930s — Reported statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm going to make the finest pictures ever made.

1930s — Regarding his work in Hollywood
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't need sleep. I can function on very little.

1950s — Reported belief
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have to wear white gloves. It's for hygiene.

1960s-1970s — Reported habit during reclusiveness
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I like to be surrounded by beautiful women. It inspires me.

1930s-1940s — Reported preference
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I can't stand inefficiency. It drives me crazy.

1940s — Reported personality trait
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm always thinking. My mind never stops.

1950s — Reported statement
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't like to be disturbed.

1960s-1970s — Reported need during reclusiveness
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have to have my own doctors. I don't trust anyone else's.

1960s-1970s — Reported habit during reclusiveness
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I'm not a normal person. I'm an extraordinary person.

1930s — Reported self-perception
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I want to create things that have never been created before.

1930s — Reported ambition
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Every man has his price, or a guy like me couldn't exist.

Unknown, but often cited during his active business years (mid-20th century) — General observation on human nature and business, frequently attributed to him.
Controversial Confirmed

Play off everyone against each other so that you have more avenues of action open to you.

Unknown, but cited during his active business years. — General business and manipulation philosophy.
Controversial Unverifiable