Harold Coffin Quotes

Powerful Harold Coffin for Daily Growth

About Harold Coffin

Harold Coffin (1896-1974), an influential American writer and journalist, was born on August 31, 1896, in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in a modest family, Coffin's love for writing began early, inspired by the works of authors like Mark Twain and Robert W. Service. After serving in World War I, he returned to the United States and enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied journalism. Coffin's career took off when he was hired as a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. His writing style, characterized by wit, humor, and a keen eye for detail, quickly gained him recognition. In 1924, he moved to New York City to work for the Associated Press, where he covered various news events, including the Scopes Monkey Trial in Tennessee. In the 1930s, Coffin turned his attention to fiction, publishing several short stories and novels. His most famous work, "The Wind Whistles Free," a collection of humorous stories about small-town America, was published in 1936. The book became a bestseller, solidifying Coffin's place as a significant voice in American literature. Throughout his career, Coffin's works often reflected his progressive political views and his deep affection for the common man. He passed away on July 24, 1974, leaving behind a rich legacy of humor-filled stories that continue to entertain readers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The success in business comes from finding a place where your unique gifts intersect with what the market will pay."

This quote suggests that for business success, it's essential to discover the intersection between one's unique abilities or talents (gifts) and the demands of the marketplace, where those skills are valued and compensated appropriately. In other words, it implies that matching one's personal strengths with a profitable industry niche can lead to professional achievement in business endeavors. This principle encourages individuals to explore their unique skills while being mindful of current market trends, thus maximizing the potential for success.


"If you don't think about the future, you can act very irresponsibly in the present."

This quote highlights the importance of considering the potential consequences of our actions in the present, as they may impact our future. Acting irresponsibly without thinking about the long-term effects could lead to negative outcomes that we may later regret. It's a reminder to make conscious decisions that align with our goals and values for a fulfilling life ahead.


"Business opportunities are like buses, there's always another one coming."

This quote suggests that if one misses a business opportunity, there will inevitably be more opportunities in the future. It encourages persistence and patience in entrepreneurship, implying that failure to capitalize on an opportunity should not deter from continuing the pursuit of success. It also implies that there are endless possibilities in the business world and emphasizes the importance of seizing these moments when they present themselves.


"Profit is a sign that you are bringing more value to the marketplace than you are costing it."

This quote by Harold Coffin emphasizes the importance of creating value in business, rather than simply seeking profits for their own sake. When a company offers products or services that bring more value to consumers than they cost, it demonstrates a successful alignment between what customers need and what the company delivers. Such businesses are not only financially sustainable but also contribute positively to society by fulfilling market demands efficiently. The profit derived from these operations serves as validation of this value creation, making it an indicator of success rather than an end goal in itself.


"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will."

This quote suggests that success in life isn't solely determined by physical or intellectual capabilities, but by the level of determination, willpower, and persistence an individual possesses. A successful person is one who demonstrates an unyielding drive to achieve their goals despite obstacles, setbacks, or challenges they may face. This quote emphasizes that it's not necessarily a lack of resources or knowledge that holds people back from success, but rather a lack of the internal motivation and resilience to persevere and carry on towards their objectives.


A consumer is a shopper who is sore about something.

- Harold Coffin

Something, Sore, About, Consumer

In the business world an executive knows something about everything, a technician knows everything about something and the switchboard operator knows everything.

- Harold Coffin

Executive, Business World, Operator

Corporations cannot commit treason, or be outlawed or excommunicated, for they have no souls.

- Harold Coffin

Souls, Treason, Commit, Corporations

The fellow who thinks he knows it all is especially annoying to those of us who do.

- Harold Coffin

He, Fellow, Thinks, Annoying

Middle age is the awkward period when Father Time starts catching up with Mother Nature.

- Harold Coffin

Age, Catching, Period, Middle Age

Behind every successful man you'll find a woman who has nothing to wear.

- Harold Coffin

Woman, Behind, Find, Successful Man

Envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own.

- Harold Coffin

Art, Other, Counting, Fellow

One often learns more from ten days of agony than from ten years of contentment.

- Harold Coffin

More, Agony, Learns, Contentment

The only thing worse than an active conscience is one that's retroactive.

- Harold Coffin

Conscience, The Only Thing, Active

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.