Cornelius Vanderbilt

"The future of commerce rests on efficient transportation."

"A clear conscience allows a man to sleep peacefully."

"The wealth of nations flows through the enterprising few."

"I built my empire by always keeping my word."

"The man who serves only himself will eventually serve no one."

"A vision without execution is merely a fantasy."

"The future belongs to those who build, not those who merely exist."

"I have succeeded by doing what others thought impossible."

"The strength of an empire lies in its weakest link."

"A man's true worth is measured by what he leaves behind."

"The man who can control his temper in business will eventually control his fortune."

"I have always believed that the surest way to success is to concentrate on what you do best."

"Every dollar I save is a soldier I place in my service."

"The greatest fortunes are built not in a single day, but through patient accumulation."

"A man's reputation is his most valuable asset; guard it as you would your life."

"I never gamble on business; I calculate every move with precision."

"The weak fall by the wayside, but the strong forge ahead regardless of obstacles."

"To build an empire, one must first master the art of listening."

"Capital is nothing without the will to deploy it wisely."

"I respect only those who respect themselves."

"The railroad is not merely a business; it is the bloodstream of America's future."

"A man who works without a plan is like a ship without a rudder."

"I have learned more from my failures than from any success."

"Sentiment has no place in the ledger of commerce."

"The greatest competitor is not your rival, but your own complacency."

"I built my fortune by understanding what others could not see."

"To be indispensable is to be immortal in business."

"The man who waits for perfect conditions will never accomplish anything."

"Ruthlessness without strategy is merely recklessness."

"I have always preferred the company of intelligent adversaries to foolish allies."