Ross Perot Quotes

Powerful Ross Perot for Daily Growth

About Ross Perot

Ross Perot, an enigmatic figure in American politics and business, was born Howard Ross Perot Jr. on June 27, 1930, in Texarkana, Texas. He is the son of Lula Mae (Ross) and Ross Sr., who owned a chain of men's clothing stores. Perot demonstrated entrepreneurial prowess early, starting his first business at age 14, selling Christmas wreaths. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1953, Perot served as an officer for two years and then pursued a career in electronics. He co-founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, which grew into a multibillion-dollar global technology services company. In the political sphere, Perot's influence emerged significantly. In 1992, he ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States, securing 19% of the popular vote but no electoral votes. His campaign was marked by his populist appeal and focus on deficit reduction and job creation. He made a comeback in 1996 but won only Alaska and Utah, with a total of 8% of the popular vote. Throughout his life, Perot's philanthropy was also noteworthy. He donated millions to various causes, including education, the homeless, and veterans. In 2019, he passed away at age 89, leaving behind a complex legacy that straddled business, politics, and philanthropy. Perot's life and works are encapsulated in several notable quotes. For instance, "In this world there is nothing to fear but fear itself." This echoes Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous quote but reflects Perot's belief in the power of courage over apprehension. Another significant quote is, "You can't just do things as they come along. You have to plan ahead. I always plan nine years out." This quote underscores his strategic and forward-thinking nature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."

This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding a concept or idea deeply before attempting to communicate it to others. If one cannot break down complex ideas into simple terms, it implies that they may not fully grasp its underlying principles or details. Clear communication, simplified explanations, and a deep understanding are interconnected, implying that mastery over a subject should manifest in the ability to convey it clearly and concisely.


"Just because it's never been done before doesn't mean it can't be done."

Ross Perot's quote underscores the importance of innovation, creativity, and perseverance in achieving seemingly impossible feats. It emphasizes that historical precedents should not discourage us from attempting new ventures or solving complex problems, but rather inspire us to think outside the box and find creative solutions. This sentiment is particularly relevant in today's rapidly changing world, where breakthroughs often result from daring ideas and relentless determination.


"You've got to dance with who brung you."

This quote, attributed to Ross Perot, means one should not forget or abandon those who helped them reach their current position or success in life. In essence, it emphasizes the importance of gratitude and loyalty towards one's origins, supporters, and allies. It encourages the idea that the path to success often requires cooperation with others, and one must continue to acknowledge and appreciate these relationships as they progress.


"In any organization, the best of people spend their energy on doing things, not on talking about doing them."

Ross Perot's quote suggests that effective organizations thrive when individuals prioritize action over discussion. It implies that progress is made by those who execute tasks rather than just discussing or planning them. This perspective underscores the importance of productivity, initiative, and a can-do attitude in achieving success within an organization.


"If you ever find a snake that doesn't have legs, you've found a politician."

This quote by Ross Perot suggests that politicians often lack transparency or honesty, much like a snake without legs, which is an impossible creature in reality. It implies that just as one cannot trust a snake without legs, so too should one be cautious when dealing with a politician, implying they may not always act in ways that are straightforward or truthful.


There are but two things worth living for: to do what is worthy of being written; and to write what is worthy of being read.

- Ross Perot

Worth Living, Living, Read, Worthy

Action is greater than writing. A good man is a nobler object of contemplation than a great author. There are but two things worth living for: to do what is worthy of being written; and to write what is worthy of being read.

- Ross Perot

Living, Read, Author, Worthy

If you see a snake, just kill it - don't appoint a committee on snakes.

- Ross Perot

Committee, See, Appoint, Snake

The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, the public debt should be reduced and the arrogance of public officials should be controlled.

- Ross Perot

Public, Controlled, Budget

If someone as blessed as I am is not willing to clean out the barn, who will?

- Ross Perot

I Am, Will, Someone, Barn

Anybody can cut prices, but it takes brains to produce a better article.

- Ross Perot

Better, Brains, Cut, Article

War has rules, mud wrestling has rules - politics has no rules.

- Ross Perot

War, Politics, No Rules, Mud

Eagles don't flock, you have to find them one at a time.

- Ross Perot

Find, Flock, Them, Eagles

Spend a lot of time talking to customers face to face. You'd be amazed how many companies don't listen to their customers.

- Ross Perot

Business, Talking, Many, Customers

Business is not just doing deals; business is having great products, doing great engineering, and providing tremendous service to customers. Finally, business is a cobweb of human relationships.

- Ross Perot

Doing, Providing, Having, Customers

If we did not have such a thing as an airplane today, we would probably create something the size of N.A.S.A. to make one.

- Ross Perot

Size, Something, Would, Such A Thing

Life is like a cobweb, not an organization chart.

- Ross Perot

Organization, Like, Chart, Cobweb

A weak currency is the sign of a weak economy, and a weak economy leads to a weak nation.

- Ross Perot

Nation, Sign, Leads, Currency

Failures are like skinned knees, painful but superficial.

- Ross Perot

Like, Failures, Superficial, Painful

Which one of the three candidates would you want your daughter to marry?

- Ross Perot

Want, Which, Would, Candidates

Most new jobs won't come from our biggest employers. They will come from our smallest. We've got to do everything we can to make entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

- Ross Perot

New, Will, Employers, Entrepreneurial

Written reports stifle creativity.

- Ross Perot

Creativity, Reports, Written, Stifle

Punishing honest mistakes stifles creativity. I want people moving and shaking the earth and they're going to make mistakes.

- Ross Perot

Mistakes, Want, Going, Punishing

In plain Texas talk, it's 'do the right thing'

- Ross Perot

Texas, Talk, Right Thing, Plain

The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.

- Ross Perot

Politics, Dirty, Activist, River

Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the one yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game one foot from a winning touchdown.

- Ross Perot

Success, Give, Yard, Minute

If you can't stand a little sacrifice and you can't stand a trip across the desert with limited water, we're never going to straighten this country out.

- Ross Perot

Country, Going, Limited, Trip

You don't have to be the biggest to beat the biggest.

- Ross Perot

You, Biggest, Beat

Inventories can be managed, but people must be led.

- Ross Perot

People, Must, Led

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