Portrait of John D. Rockefeller

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
Wisdom Confirmed

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

unknown — Attributed, widely cited in business literature
Wisdom Unverifiable

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

unknown — Attributed, widely cited in business literature
Wisdom 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'
Wisdom 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'
Wisdom Confirmed

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

unknown — Attributed, often found in business books
Wisdom 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
Wisdom 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
Wisdom 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
Inspirational 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
Wisdom 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
Wisdom 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
Wisdom 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
Wisdom Confirmed

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

unknown — Attributed, often cited in business advice
Money & Business Unverifiable

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

unknown — Attributed, often cited in business advice
Money & Business 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'
Biblical 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'
Biblical 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
Wisdom 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
Wisdom 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
Inspirational Unverifiable
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