Armand Hammer Quotes

Powerful Armand Hammer for Daily Growth

About Armand Hammer

Armand Hammer (May 9, 1898 – December 10, 1990) was an American businessman, philanthropist, art collector, and political activist who made a fortune in the oil industry but is perhaps equally remembered for his eccentric personality and Communist sympathies. Born to Jewish immigrants in New York City, Hammer showed early signs of entrepreneurial spirit, starting his first business – a pest-control company – at just 14 years old. He attended Columbia University, where he studied chemistry but dropped out after one year to focus on his business ventures. In the early 1920s, he founded Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy), which would become one of the world's largest independent oil companies. Hammer was known for his shrewd deal-making and ability to navigate political landscapes effectively. His Communist sympathies led him to engage with several high-profile figures, including Soviet leaders Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev. However, despite these ties, he always maintained that he was a capitalist first and foremost. In addition to his business pursuits, Hammer was an avid art collector and philanthropist. He amassed a significant collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, as well as Chinese antiquities. His philanthropic efforts included establishing the Armand Hammer Museum of Art at UCLA, one of the premier institutions for modern and contemporary art in Los Angeles. Throughout his life, Hammer was a controversial figure due to his political associations and unconventional business practices. Yet, there is no denying the impact he had on various industries and cultural institutions during the 20th century. His story serves as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and a willingness to take risks in pursuit of success.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is a journey, not a destination."

Armand Hammer's quote emphasizes that success is not a fixed point to be reached, but rather a continuous process or journey. It suggests that the pursuit of success should be seen as an ongoing experience filled with learning, growth, and progression. This interpretation encourages individuals to value the experiences they gather during their journey towards their goals, understanding that each step forward brings valuable knowledge and skills that contribute to their overall success. In essence, it's not just about reaching the destination, but also about growing and transforming during the journey itself.


"The greater your capacity to take risks, the greater your ultimate reward will be."

This quote emphasizes that taking calculated risks is essential for achieving significant rewards in life. The more one is willing to step out of their comfort zone, confront uncertainty, and embrace change, the greater the potential for personal growth and success. However, it's important to note that this doesn't mean reckless risk-taking without proper planning or considering consequences – rather, it suggests having the courage to pursue ambitious goals despite potential obstacles. Ultimately, a life without risks might be safe, but it won't lead to great achievements or fulfillment.


"If you're going to make an omelette, you have to break some eggs."

This quote by Armand Hammer suggests that achieving a goal or success may require taking necessary risks or making difficult decisions, which could result in temporary discomfort or inconvenience for others (breaking 'eggs'). In other words, the process of creating something meaningful often involves encountering challenges along the way.


"I've learned that if I do the work I love with all my heart and soul, the money will follow."

This quote by Armand Hammer emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's passion with full dedication and commitment. The underlying message is that when we are deeply engaged in what we love to do, the financial success often follows as a result of our hard work and genuine enthusiasm. It suggests that chasing money or material gains without a sincere connection to one's work may not lead to lasting fulfillment, but by pursuing our passions wholeheartedly, both personal satisfaction and prosperity can be attained.


"Wealth is not about having a lot of money; it's about having the freedom to do what you want."

This quote by Armand Hammer suggests that wealth, beyond just financial abundance, is about having the freedom to live life on one's own terms. It implies that true wealth is found in the ability to pursue personal passions, make choices without financial constraints, and exercise autonomy over one's time and resources.


When I work fourteen hours a day, seven days a week, I get lucky.

- Armand Hammer

Week, Lucky, Hours, Fourteen

Regrets and recriminations only hurt your soul.

- Armand Hammer

Soul, Only, Your, Regrets

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