Just because a company falls doesn't invalidate what we can learn by studying that company when it was at its historical best.

Most people will look back and realize they did not have a great life because it's just so easy to settle for a good life.

In determing "the right people," the good-to-great companies placed greater weight on character attributes than on specific educational background, practical skills, specialized knowledge, or work experience.

You can't manufacture passion or "motivate" people to feel passionate. You can only discover what ignites your passion and the passions of those around you.

We learned that a former prisoner of war had more to teach us about what it takes to find a path to greatness than most books on corporate strategy.

In a truly great company profits and cash flow become like blood and water to a healthy body: They are absolutely essential for life but they are not the very point of life

The only way to remain great is to keep on applying the fundamental principles that made you great.