John D. Rockefeller, fully John Davidson Rockefeller I

I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free.

I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man's word should be as good as his bond, that character—not wealth or power or position—is of supreme worth.

I believe that the law was made for man and not man for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master.

I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets.

The most important thing for a young man is to establish a credit... a reputation, character.

Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim.

Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.

I would rather earn 1% off a 100 people's efforts than 100% of my own efforts.

If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.

I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living.

I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.

I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.

Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.

Every right implies a responsibility; Every opportunity, an obligation, Every possession, a duty.

Charity is injurious unless it helps the recipient to become independent of it.

A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.

I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.

I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.