Bernard L. Schwartz Quotes

Powerful Bernard L. Schwartz for Daily Growth

About Bernard L. Schwartz

Bernard Lawrence Schwartz (1934-2020) was an influential American author, editor, and publishing executive known for his significant contributions to the publishing industry and Jewish literature. Born on March 18, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, Schwartz showed early promise as a writer and reader. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School and earned a degree in journalism from Syracuse University. Schwartz's professional journey began at the Hearst Corporation, where he worked as an editor for various magazines before joining Time Inc. in 1960. In 1965, he was appointed as the Editor of Life magazine, making him the youngest person to hold that position at the time. In 1970, Schwartz founded Prometheus Books, an independent publishing house dedicated to intellectual and cultural diversity. Under his leadership, Prometheus published numerous groundbreaking works in philosophy, psychology, history, science, and Jewish studies. Some of the notable titles include "The Man Who Knew Too Much" by Upton Sinclair, "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" by Douglas R. Hofstadter, and the controversial "Jewish Identity" by Arthur Waskow. Schwartz was also a prolific author himself, penning books such as "Israel: Ally or Enemy?" (1974), "The Great Reckoning: Power and Delusion in Modern Times" (1983), and "A Time to Speak: The Struggle for Peace in the Middle East" (2005). His works often tackled political and social issues, especially regarding Israel and Judaism. Throughout his life, Schwartz received numerous awards for his literary and editorial achievements. He was recognized by the American Jewish Committee as a Man of Achievement, and in 1984, he was inducted into the Jewish National Fund's Tree of Life. Bernard L. Schwartz passed away on June 20, 2020, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not a destination, it's a journey."

The quote by Bernard L. Schwartz underscores the idea that success is not an ultimate end goal, but rather a continuous process or journey. It emphasizes that the growth, learning, and personal development experienced along the way are equally important as achieving the desired outcome. Success, therefore, is not solely defined by reaching a destination (such as a promotion, financial stability, or recognition), but by the positive experiences, skills gained, and personal fulfillment derived from the journey itself. This perspective encourages individuals to maintain a growth mindset, persevere through challenges, and embrace lifelong learning and self-improvement.


"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

This quote suggests that success, particularly in the future, will be achieved by individuals who have faith in their dreams or aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and believing in oneself, as this can drive one to pursue their goals with determination and resilience. In essence, the quote highlights that those who dare to dream, believe in their dreams, and work towards making them a reality are more likely to shape the future.


"Strive for progress, not perfection."

This quote emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, or striving for progress, rather than obsessing over achieving a state of absolute perfection. It encourages individuals to focus on making meaningful strides towards their goals, acknowledging that perfection might not always be attainable, but progress is always possible. Perfection can sometimes be paralyzing as it sets unrealistic standards, whereas striving for progress allows us to learn, adapt, and grow in a more sustainable way.


"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."

This quote by Bernard L. Schwartz encourages self-belief and resilience. It suggests that every individual has a unique strength or potential within them, capable of overcoming challenges and obstacles in life. By believing in oneself and recognizing this inner power, one can face adversities with courage and determination. The message is to be confident, persistent, and optimistic about one's abilities, knowing that it is this strength that will help conquer the difficulties in life.


"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today."

This quote encourages individuals to avoid dwelling on the past, as it can be detrimental to their progress in the present moment. Instead, one should focus on making the most out of today, learning from past experiences but not letting them hinder forward movement or happiness. The essence of the quote is to find balance between reflection and action, moving forward with optimism while maintaining a sense of personal growth.


In very big companies, you find less entrepreneurialism than you really want to see. Success is defined as 'don't make a mistake.' And you get to be the C.E.O. by outlasting everybody else, then you're there for five or six years, and you want to get your bonus on the way out.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Big, Everybody, Very, Big Companies

The 2008 Democratic presidential candidates would be wise to note that unwarranted negativism is dangerous and badly underestimates the strengths of the American people to adapt to and prosper with change.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Prosper, Note, Badly, Unwarranted

With the sole exception of President Bill Clinton, whose 'bridge to the 21st century' evoked the vision and optimism of other great Democratic presidents of the 20th century, such as FDR and John F. Kennedy, pessimism about America's economic future has been the hallmark of modern progressivism.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Exception, Other, Pessimism, FDR

There's something about me that wants to grow a big company. I don't deny that. I enjoy the game, and the only way to really enjoy it is to win. I like to win. It's more fun.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Game, Big, Deny, Big Company

My father was an entrepreneur - a sign maker, and he had about 20 employees - and often he'd take me to business meetings, and I would listen to him talk with his workers and customers. We would also talk a lot about business over dinner.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Father, Sign, About, Entrepreneur

I used to give out Mickey Mouse awards to people. I like Mickey Mouse because he represented certain values. He invested in people, was good to his friends and hard on his enemies. Once a year, I would have our management team from each division come to an offsite, and I would talk about Mickey Mouse.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Year, Management Team, About, Invested

The next Internet could be in the making somewhere in someone's lab.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Next, Someone, Making, Lab

Entrepreneurialism, to me, means being able to fail. And I believe that kind of leadership is not necessary only in business, but it's necessary for running countries, too. You've got to be able to believe in something strongly enough that you want to do it even if there's a risk of failure.

- Bernard L. Schwartz

Believe, Running, Got, Strongly

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