People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.

A sunny disposition is worth more than [a monetary] fortune. Young people should know that it can be cultivated; that the mind like the body can be moved from the shade into sunshine.

Any person can achieve greatness if they understand the philosophy of success and the steps required to achieve it.

Whatever I engage in, I must push inordinately.

Show me a man of average ability but extraordinary desire and I'll show you a winner every time.

Concentrate your energies, your thoughts and your capital. The wise man puts all his eggs in one basket and watches the basket.

Why should men leave great fortunes to their children? If this is done from affection, is it not misguided affection? Observation teaches that, generally speaking, it is not well for the children that they should be so burdened.