P.T. Barnum

Showman, circus, hoaxes

Contemporary weird famous 162 sayings

Sayings by P.T. Barnum

Advertising is to a genuine article what manure is to land, - it largely increases the product.

c. 1865-1880 — From his writings on business and advertising, likely 'The Art of Money Getting' or 'The Humbugs of …
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The public appears disposed to be amused even when they are conscious of being deceived.

1855 — From his autobiography, 'The Life of P.T. Barnum: Written by Himself'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

No man ever went broke overestimating the ignorance of the American public.

Late 19th Century — Reflecting on the success of his ventures.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don't care what the newspapers say about me as long as they spell my name right.

Late 19th Century — Regarding publicity and media attention.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Many people are gullible, and we can expect this to continue.

c. 1880 — Observation on human nature, from 'The Art of Money Getting'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

And in what business is there not humbug?

1865 — From 'The Humbugs of the World'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest humbug of all is the man who believes—or pretends to believe—that everything and everybody are humbugs.

1865 — From 'The Humbugs of the World'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Science is another important field of human effort... Not at all, my ardent and inquiring friends, there is a scientific humbug just as large as any other.

1865 — From 'The Humbugs of the World', discussing various forms of deception.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The plan of 'counting the chickens before they are hatched' is an error of ancient date, but it does not seem to improve by age.

c. 1880 — Business advice, from 'The Art of Money Getting'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Nobody ever lost a dollar by underestimating the taste of the American public.

Late 19th Century — Commentary on public entertainment preferences.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

More persons, on the whole, are humbugged by believing in nothing, than by believing too much.

c. 1865-1880 — Philosophical observation on belief and deception.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me.

c. 1895 (as quoted) — Self-description of his identity, quoted in a biography.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You know I had rather be laughed at than not to be noticed at all.

Late 19th Century — Regarding publicity and attention.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Small does of advertising result in nothing, obviously. It's like giving a sick person half the medicine he needs. It just causes more suffering. Give the whole dose, and the cure will be certain and decisive.

c. 1880 — Advice on advertising, from 'The Art of Money Getting'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, if necessary, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now.

c. 1880 — Advice on hard work and diligence, from 'The Art of Money Getting'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Money is in some respects like fire; it is a very excellent servant but a terrible master.

c. 1880 — Financial advice, from 'The Art of Money Getting'.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Unless a man enters upon the vocation intended for him by nature, and best suited to his peculiar genius, he cannot succeed.

c. 1880 — Career advice, from 'The Art of Money Getting'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The common man, no matter how sharp and tough, actually enjoys having the wool pulled over his eyes, and makes it easier for the puller.

Late 19th Century — Observation on human gullibility.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

We cannot all see alike, but we can all do good.

Late 19th Century — General philosophy on human conduct.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Never attempt to catch a whale with a minnow.

Late 19th Century — Advice on ambition/effort.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable