Portrait of Cornelius Vanderbilt

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Railroad magnate

Modern influential 134 sayings

Sayings by Cornelius Vanderbilt

I have always been a man of integrity.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I don't like to be told what to do.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I don't like to compromise.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I have always been a man of principle.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I don't like to be idle.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I don't like to be outsmarted.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I have always been a man of determination.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I don't like to be underestimated.

mid-1800s — Attributed statement
General Unverifiable

I don't care a snap for all the railroads in creation. I only ask that the law shall be observed.

Mid-19th Century — Reported during a legal dispute or testimony.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I have been in business for 50 years, and I have never lost a cent.

Late 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his financial success.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I have always tried to do my best.

Late 19th Century — Attributed
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Never tell your resolutions beforehand, or it's half a defeat.

Late 19th Century — Attributed, a pragmatic approach to ambition.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

If I had it to do over again, I would have put more emphasis on education.

Late 19th Century — Attributed later in his life, reflecting on his lack of formal schooling.
General Unverifiable

I have been through many a storm, and I am not afraid of another.

Late 19th Century — Attributed, showing his resilience.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I will not let my money be used to perpetuate idleness.

Late 19th Century — Reported in discussions about his will and philanthropy, reflecting his work ethic.
Work & Money Unverifiable

Don't depend on any man. Get your own land and make your own money.

Late 19th Century — Attributed, advice on self-reliance.
Work & Money Unverifiable

I have no time for politics.

Late 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his focus on business over public office.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.

Uncertain — As with J.P. Morgan, this is a widely attributed quote, and its direct and unique attribution to Van…
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I have made my money by selling what other people wanted.

Late 19th Century — Attributed, a simple summary of his business acumen.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

My life has been one long struggle.

Late 19th Century — Attributed later in his life, reflecting on his humble beginnings and constant battles.
Life & Aging Unverifiable
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