Cornelius Vanderbilt II

Businessman & Heir American 1843 – 1899

Expanded Vanderbilt fortune through railroad and business expansion.

377 quotes

"The future of America lies not in agriculture, but in industry and commerce."
"A gentleman respects the property and rights of others as he would have his own respected."
Justice
"The man who is afraid to make decisions is unfit for leadership."
Courage
"I believe that progress is inevitable for those who align themselves with it."
Hope
"The wealth of a nation is measured not in gold, but in the industry of its people."
"In business, timing is often more important than the quality of the idea itself."
"I have never encountered an obstacle I could not overcome with sufficient determination."
Strength
"The man who is satisfied with mediocrity will never achieve excellence."
Motivation
"A railroad is more than steel and steam; it is a vision made manifest."
"I have always believed that a man's responsibility extends beyond his immediate family."
"The competition for supremacy in commerce is as fierce as any war."
"I would rather be feared by my competitors than scorned by my peers."
"The man who cannot adapt to changing circumstances is a man already defeated."
"In my experience, the obstacles we face are often the means by which we grow."
"I have found that generosity is not a weakness but a form of strength."
"The true measure of a man is not his net worth, but his net worth to society."
"A fortune acquired through misdeeds is a fortune that brings shame."
"The railroad has taught me that great things are accomplished through coordination and vision."
"I believe that every man has both the right and the responsibility to pursue his potential."
Freedom
"The man who is content with his station in life will never rise above it."
"In business, as in war, preparation and intelligence are the keys to victory."
"I have spent my life proving that vision combined with determination can achieve anything."
"The wealth accumulated through a lifetime of work is a testament to one's dedication."
"A man's influence extends far beyond the reach of his hand or voice."
"I have always held that the future belongs to the bold and the prepared."
Hope
"The railroad connects the present to the future, and the future to prosperity."
"I believe that a man must leave the world better than he found it."
"The obstacles we overcome are the measure of our character."
"In the pursuit of greatness, one must be willing to sacrifice comfort."
"I have found that the most valuable asset any man possesses is his reputation."