Achievement must be made against the possibility of failure, against the risk of defeat. It is no achievement to walk a tightrope laid flat on the floor. Where there is no risk, there can be no pride in achievement and, consequently, no happiness. The only way we can advance is by going forward, individually and collectively, in the spirit of the pioneer. We must take the risks involved in our free enterprise system. This is the only way in the world to economic freedom. There is no other way.

In business for yourself, but not by yourself.

I believe in God, family, and McDonald's. And in the office, that order is reversed.

I guess to be an entrepreneur you have to have a large ego, enormous pride and an ability to inspire others to follow your lead.

When you're green, your growing. When you're ripe, you rot.

McDonald's is a people business, and that smile on that counter girl's face when she takes your order is a vital part of our image.

Perfection is very difficult to achieve, and perfection was what I wanted in McDonald's. Everything else was secondary for me.