"There's a sucker born every minute."
This quote by P.T. Barnum suggests that there will always be people who are easily deceived or taken advantage of, as long as there are individuals who exploit this vulnerability for their own gain. It serves as a reminder that in society, some may prioritize personal profit over fairness and honesty, and it encourages vigilance when evaluating the trustworthiness of others.
"The world is a comedy to those that think, a tragedy to those that feel."
This quote suggests that individuals who approach life with intellectual curiosity and critical thinking see the absurdities and ironies in the world (a comedy), whereas those who empathize deeply perceive the pain, hardships, and struggles of existence (a tragedy). In essence, it emphasizes the power of perspective: how we choose to interpret events significantly shapes our emotional response and overall perception of life.
"Every crowd has a silver lining."
This quote suggests that even in unfavorable or difficult situations, there is always an opportunity for positivity or advantage. Essentially, it implies that every group or gathering, no matter how challenging they may seem, contains potential benefits or silver linings waiting to be discovered.
"To entertain people is my calling."
The quote by P.T. Barnum, "To entertain people is my calling," emphasizes his purpose in life - to amuse and engage others. This statement highlights Barnum's strong commitment to creating enjoyable experiences for those around him, serving as a reminder that entertainment can be an essential aspect of one's vocation or mission in life. It showcases Barnum's focus on delighting people through his work, which eventually led to the creation of famous attractions like Barnum & Bailey Circus and the American Museum.
"I am a great and good man - I am not a hypocrite - I have no pretensions whatever. I have acquired my wealth by hard work, by living frugally, by saving every cent that comes to me and by strict attention to business."
P.T. Barnum's quote highlights his authenticity, honesty, and self-made success through diligence, frugality, and dedication to work. He was not a hypocrite or pretentious, as he openly acknowledged his wealth came from hard work and prudent financial management rather than deceit or false claims of nobility. The quote emphasizes Barnum's belief that success can be achieved through honest means and personal discipline.
True economy consists in always making the income exceed the out-go. Wear the old clothes a little longer if necessary; dispense with the new pair of gloves; mend the old dress: live on plainer food if need be; so that, under all circumstances, unless some unforeseen accident occurs, there will be a margin in favor of the income.
- P. T. Barnum
Men, women, and children who cannot live on gravity alone need something to satisfy their gayer, lighter moods and hours, and he who ministers to this want is, in my opinion, in a business established by the Creator of our nature. If he worthily fulfills his mission and amuses without corrupting, he need never feel that he has lived in vain.
- P. T. Barnum
Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business. Large stores, gilt signs, flaming advertisements, will all prove unavailing if you or your employees treat your patrons abruptly. The truth is, the more kind and liberal a man is, the more generous will be the patronage bestowed upon him.
- P. T. Barnum
Every man should make his son or daughter learn some useful trade or profession, so that in these days of changing fortunes of being rich today and poor tomorrow they may have something tangible to fall back upon. This provision might save many persons from misery, who by some unexpected turn of fortune have lost all their means.
- P. T. Barnum
There is no such thing in the world as luck. There never was a man who could go out in the morning and find a purse full of gold in the street to-day, and another to-morrow, and so on, day after day: He may do so once in his life; but so far as mere luck is concerned, he is as liable to lose it as to find it.
- P. T. Barnum
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