William Reddington Hewlett Quotes

Powerful William Reddington Hewlett for Daily Growth

About William Reddington Hewlett

William Reddington Hewlett (1913-2001) was an American electrical engineer, inventor, businessman, and co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the world's leading technology companies. Born on July 20, 1913, in Milpitas, California, Hewlett grew up in a family that encouraged intellectual curiosity and innovation. His father was an electrical engineer who worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories, and his mother was a schoolteacher. Hewlett attended Stanford University, where he met fellow engineering student David Packard. The two shared a vision of creating a company based on their shared values of integrity, quality, and service. In 1938, they founded Hewlett-Packard (HP) in a garage, with an initial investment of $538. Their first product was an audio oscillator, which they sold to Disney for use in its new sound system at the 1939 World's Fair. Over the years, HP grew from this humble beginning into a multibillion-dollar corporation, known worldwide for its wide range of products including computers, printers, and laboratory instruments. Hewlett served as HP's president from 1964 to 1977 and remained on the board until his retirement in 1987. Hewlett was also a prolific inventor, holding more than 35 patents. His quotes reflect his innovative spirit, integrity, and leadership style. Notable quotes include: - "There is always room for improving a product." - "The art of leadership is saying no, not yes. It's very easy to say yes." - "I believe engineering is an art, and the artist should be able to express his ideas as clearly as possible so they can be understood by others." William Hewlett passed away on January 12, 2001, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of technology. His innovations, leadership, and values continue to inspire generations of engineers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The harder you work, the luckier you get."

This quote by William R. Hewlett suggests that through diligent effort, one can create opportunities and increase the likelihood of good fortune or success. Essentially, it implies that hard work is not just a means to an end, but also a catalyst for attracting fortunate events, thereby making the individual seem "lucky". It underscores the importance of perseverance, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving one's goals.


"In the business world, everyone is nice to you; everyone wants to do business with you. It's all smiles, back-patting, and handshakes until the deal is closed, then the sharks come out."

This quote by William R. Hewlett highlights a common theme in business relationships: the facade of camaraderie and cooperation often prevails during the initial stages when parties are trying to establish deals or partnerships. However, once the agreement is finalized, self-interest and competitive instincts tend to surface, symbolizing the "sharks" coming out in the business world. It underscores the importance of being cautious, strategic, and vigilant in negotiating deals to protect one's interests amidst the apparent cordiality.


"There's always a way if you're committed."

This quote by William R. Hewlett emphasizes the power of commitment in overcoming obstacles and achieving one's goals. It suggests that when an individual is fully dedicated, they will find or create a path to success no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem. In other words, with unwavering determination and resilience, there is always a solution if you are wholeheartedly committed to your aspirations.


"The art of leadership... consists in consolidating around oneself the wisdom obtained from the experience of many and thereby availing one's self of experience which would never have been gained by any one person, however brilliant or gifted."

This quote highlights the importance of collaboration and collective knowledge in effective leadership. William Reddington Hewlett suggests that a great leader does not rely solely on their own intelligence or abilities, but rather leverages the experiences and insights of others to make better decisions and achieve greater successes. In other words, a true leader is one who empowers and values the wisdom of their team, allowing them to create something far greater than what they could accomplish alone.


"In the beginning, our engineers built all kinds of fancy gadgets 'just to see if they could be done.' This spirit of innovation remains a key part of our culture today."

The quote expresses the ethos of continuous innovation that characterizes the culture at Hewlett-Packard (HP). William R. Hewlett, co-founder of HP, emphasizes that in its early days, engineers at the company were driven by a spirit of curiosity and ingenuity, creating various devices simply to explore their technical potential. This experimental approach to engineering is still valued today as an essential part of HP's corporate culture – fostering creativity, technological advancement, and the pursuit of novel solutions.


All business proceeds on beliefs, or judgments of probabilities, and not on certainties.

- William Reddington Hewlett

Business, Beliefs, Judgments, Proceeds

Never try to take a fortified hill, especially if the Army on top is bigger than you are.

- William Reddington Hewlett

Never, Bigger, Army, Fortified

Men and women want to do a good job, and if they are provided the proper environment, they will do so.

- William Reddington Hewlett

Want, Will, Provided, Men And Women

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.