Cornelius Vanderbilt

"I have always believed that a promise is a sacred obligation."

"The greatest power is the power to control one's own destiny."

"A life spent in pursuit of material wealth alone is a life poorly spent."

"The man who never changes his mind has never been forced to think."

"I respect those who work harder than I do."

"The future is not something that happens to us; it is something we create."

"The man who works is a noble being; idleness is a disgrace."

"I have always found that if I took care of my pennies, the dollars would take care of themselves."

"Centralization is the secret of strength in any organization."

"The public be damned; I am working for my stockholders."

"Any man can make a fortune, but few can build an empire."

"I got my wealth by working; so will others."

"The man who dies with money dies disgraced."

"Success is doing what you know you should do, when you should do it."

"Keep your energy focused; scatter it not among frivolous pursuits."

"The early bird catches the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese."

"I believe in the power of concentrated effort and unwavering resolve."

"A man's greatest asset is his reputation and his word."

"Fortunes are built not by luck, but by relentless determination."

"One must be willing to adapt or perish in this world of business."

"The weak perish; the strong endure and prosper."

"Capital seeks the most profitable venture; guide it wisely."

"I never made a business decision based on sentiment."

"Command respect through your actions, not your words."

"The competition will destroy you if you are not vigilant."

"Time is the most precious commodity a man possesses."

"Build something that will outlast you; that is true success."

"A clear head and a steady hand will conquer any obstacle."

"The man who fears risk will never taste real success."

"My empire was built on the principle of superior service."