Cornelius Vanderbilt

"The accumulation of wealth is not the end goal—the creation of enterprise is."

"Keep your mind sharp and your motives pure."

"Do not underestimate your enemies, but do not overestimate them either."

"A comfortable life is not the product of chance, but of deliberate action."

"The greatest wealth is not in dollars, but in opportunities."

"If you wish to succeed, you must first understand what success means to you."

"The man who fears nothing has already conquered half his battles."

"Efficiency in business is the same as health in the body."

"I have always looked upon life as a great adventure."

"The key to power is understanding people better than they understand themselves."

"Never ask a man to do something you would not do yourself."

"Time is the most valuable currency—use it wisely."

"The man who spends his fortune on pleasure will find himself poor in wisdom."

"I do not believe in luck—I believe in preparation meeting opportunity."

"A family that works together stays together."

"The greatest investment you can make is in your own mind."

"In times of crisis, character reveals itself."

"Fortunes are made by those who see what others cannot see."

"A man of principle will always stand alone if necessary."

"The world respects power, but it follows integrity."

"Patience is not idleness; it is the cultivation of power."

"The man who gives up is already defeated."

"Knowledge of your competitors is half the battle."

"I have built my empire brick by brick, through persistent effort."

"The future belongs to those who can adapt to change."

"A kind word costs nothing but is worth a fortune."

"The measure of a man is not his wealth, but his deeds."

"Every obstacle is an opportunity in disguise."

"I have never been afraid to take risks when the reward justified them."

"The man who cannot forgive is imprisoned by his own anger."