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As an entrepreneur, a spark of wisdom can ignite countless innovations.
Today, we’re highlighting lessons that originated with some of the most influential minds in history. Get ready for a dose of inspiration shaped by great thinkers and the business books that captured their ideas.
How We Chose These Remarkable Quotes
These quotes aren’t just words but powerful beacons in the business cosmos. Our team huddled up with coffee mugs and stacks of business books. We flipped pages, swapped recommendations, and basically had a blast finding gems that will not only resonate with you but also kickstart your business mojo. Each quote had to be a game-changer, a little spark that lights up your business path.
Below each quote is a link to Amazon in case you’re interested in purchasing the respective book.
“I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one.”
“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
Alexander Graham Bell: The Life and Times of the Man Who Invented the Telephone
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
“To be successful, you have to have your heart and your business in your heart.”
“Try, try, try, and keep on trying is the rule that must be followed to become an expert in anything.”
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
The Complete Life’s Little Instruction Book: 1,500 Practical Tips for Happiness
“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
The Secret of the Ages: The Master Code to Abundance and Achievement
“If you listen to your fears, you will die never knowing what a great person you might have been.”
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”
The life of an entrepreneur can sometimes be fraught with challenges, but persistence and innovation can turn obstacles into opportunities. That is why, on our blog, we emphasize such concepts as self-care, motivation, and even spirituality, to overcome those difficult times. We also value education, which is why we’ve composed various articles on how to best learn. Reading is another important facet of becoming a better entrepreneur, and that is why we’ve written articles on speed reading and how to memorize anything you’ve learned.
Throughout my journey of running this blog, I too have often faced challenges, but each time I do, these quotes help to remind me that there are better times ahead. These great minds also help me to understand the value of customers in business. To that end, we share their philosophies for a better entrepreneurial journey.
In order to encourage you in your challenges as you pursue entrepreneurial goals, we’ve included 20 quotes from some of the greatest minds. These sayings vary from the comical to the spiritual and even the mundane, but each has value to offer.
It would be foolish to claim that we know everything. Rather, we love to teach because we value sharing our knowledge with others. In doing so, we’ve realized that it also helps us learn new things.
Here are the quotes that can help you lead a better entrepreneurial life. These quotes are here to inspire a better entrepreneurial path. Approach them with confidence that you, too, can achieve success.
1. Time, devourer of all things.
– Ovid
Ovid (43 BCE–17 CE) was a Roman poet known for his works on love, myth, and transformation, including Metamorphoses. His writings have had a lasting influence on Western literature and art.
One of his most famous quotes deals with how time devours all things. No matter what kind of business you’re in, time is of the essence. From responding to customer queries to actually doing the work required of you, if you don’t prioritize time, you’re at a disadvantage compared to your competitors. As a business owner, my goals always strive toward developing efficient processes. This will not only streamline your day-to-day operations, but also allow you to deal with customers and their issues along the way. These skills will give you the upper hand in many facets, and you’ll be a better decision-maker. You’ll improve not only your company’s productivity, but customers will recognize you for going the extra mile. If you want to save time, consider a daily schedule. Write down the tasks that need to be completed, as well as those that are unnecessary. Just write down what you think needs to be done. Wait an hour. Come back and then go back to your list and delete those things from your list that can be either delegated to an employee or associate, or eliminated entirely.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
– Lao Tzu
Lao Tzu (6th century BCE) was an ancient Chinese philosopher and the founder of Taoism. His teachings emphasize harmony with nature and the simplicity of life.
In this quote, we learn that big things don’t happen overnight. It takes time. This concept has been repeated ad infinitum in business books. If you hope to achieve something big, then hard work is required, but even still, you have to realize that you’re in it for the long haul. Nothing will happen overnight. I started my blog in May 2020 and often felt like I was working for nothing. I kept posting articles for months without any results. It took about a year and a half before I started getting traffic. I faced difficulties, both technical and emotional, during those first months. I even considered giving up blogging. At one point, I did not post for two entire months. My self-esteem was in danger. Even still, I never gave up. Deep down inside, I knew that success was around the corner. Some quotes I try to commit to memory—and this is one of them. Keep working and keep learning, even when it seems like no progress is being made. The rewards will come with time and effort. Take that first step, then another step every day, and don’t look back. You’ll be glad that you did.
3. It is vain to do with more what can be done with fewer.
– William of Occam
William of Occam (1287–1347) was an English Franciscan friar, philosopher, and theologian. He is best known for Occam’s Razor, a principle advocating simplicity in problem-solving.
This quote hearkens back to the idea that it is not how much a person works, but rather how efficiently his processes achieve that work. Note that this is not meant to be lazy or to take shortcuts, but rather to realize those processes that are taking a huge bulk of your time and revising them so that your work becomes something that helps you achieve your goals rather than hold you back. Many of us, when we first became entrepreneurs, may not have realized a certain process that could help achieve one’s objectives, but as time went along, we learned. Ask yourself, can any project that I’m currently involved in be broken into many steps? Look at each of those steps, and then decide which of them is necessary and which can be eliminated. You’ll be surprised that a task that you previously spent a lot of time on could be eliminated without any negative consequence on your final product. The same applies to whatever goals you have. See if you can break something down into multiple processes, and within those processes, perhaps you can eliminate one or two or even a few.
4. The less you talk, the more you’re listened to.
– Pauline Phillips
Pauline Phillips (1918–2013) was an American advice columnist better known as Abigail Van Buren, creator of the “Dear Abby” column. Her practical and witty advice made her a household name.
I’ve heard it said that the reason we have two ears and one mouth is to listen more than we speak. This can apply to associations with customers and clients. Hear them out. Listen to them attentively so that you may decide what it is that you can change or determine how you can best deliver to those with whom you’re doing business. This can also apply to your employees. An eager ear is one that will listen to feedback, whether it’s excellent or, at first, may appear subpar but can actually benefit your business and bottom line.
5. Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
– Jim Rohn
Jim Rohn (1930–2009) was an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. His teachings have inspired countless individuals to achieve personal and professional success.
Discipline is one of the most important traits for an entrepreneur. Without discipline, there is no schedule, no ambition, and no drive to pursue the things you wish. It can be a tough road as an entrepreneur, with many bends and curves along the way, and setbacks that can threaten to derail even the most ambitious of souls. Do everything with passion. Immersing yourself into work is so important for creativity and productivity, so don’t overlook the importance of having discipline. It will lead you to great places and sustain you throughout your years of work. Many great minds have given up on their dreams, not realizing that they were closer than they had imagined. Don’t fall into this trap; there’s always success at the end of the tunnel.
6. The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.
– Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was a French philosopher and writer. His ideas on individual freedom and education influenced the Enlightenment and modern political thought.
If you want to be successful in any adventure, then imagination is key. Being able to imagine a goal or destination before actually embarking toward it will help you take thoughtful steps toward that goal. On our blog, we have a number of articles meant to develop your imagination. For instance, our piece, How to Create a Vision Board for Manifestation, can help you visualize your goals. Other ways of developing your imagination include reading in a variety of subjects as well as learning new things. Another way of developing your imagination is to constantly ask yourself questions about experiences you’re having. Take a pause from your day-to-day life and ask yourself, “How am I feeling at this moment?” Or perhaps you’ve learned something new that day. If so, ask yourself, “What have I learned, and how can I apply this to my business goals?” You’ll be surprised how all of these methods of developing your imagination will become easier with time. Make it a habit to learn new things, and it will pay you dividends in the future.
7. I believe it is impossible to be sure of anything.
– Han Fei
Han Fei (280–233 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher and one of the leading figures of Legalism. His works emphasize law and order as the foundation of a stable society.
In business, things don’t always go as planned. You can’t be sure what customers will want, if your ideas will work, or how the market will change. Accepting that not everything is certain helps you stay flexible and ready to solve problems. Since you can’t be one hundred percent sure of everything, focus only on learning as much as possible and making smart choices. Change plans if needed. Try different things while learning from your mistakes. You’ll remain strong, think quickly, and handle surprises better. Mistakes can be overwhelming to anyone new to business, but trust that you’ll grow and adapt to challenges. Along the way, your ideas may develop and evolve.
8. If you desire ease, forsake learning.
– Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna (circa 150–250 CE) was an Indian philosopher and the founder of the Madhyamaka school of Mahayana Buddhism. He is celebrated for his teachings on the nature of emptiness and interdependence.
Learning is another important part of the entrepreneurial life. Acquiring new knowledge will allow you to stay ahead of the game. For instance, technology over the past decade has witnessed exponential growth. There are many entrepreneurs who fail to catch up, and as a result, they fall behind. You don’t want to be left behind over something that can be learned. Take classes or learn business subjects on your own. It is amazing how much knowledge can be acquired by going online. There are numerous courses that you can take to learn new subjects. Another way of learning includes traveling and/or learning bout different cultures and customs. Knowledge of other cultures will give you an advantage over other entrepreneurs as the world becomes increasingly interconnected due to technology. I have personally lived in three countries and traveled to over a dozen. This experience has given me a palette from which I can apply new ideas as they come. Experiencing other cultures has given me a unique sensitivity to how others who may not share your same beliefs, backgrounds, and languages also aspire to the same goals and dreams as us all. This has allowed me to make friends and reach out to others for potential work, despite any differences.
9. A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.
– Thomas Carlyle
Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) was a Scottish historian, essayist, and philosopher. He was a key figure in Victorian literature, known for his works on heroes, leadership, and social criticism.
Just like a ship without a rudder floats around with no direction, a person running a business without goals doesn’t know where they’re going. Goals are like a map that helps guide you through the challenges of running a business and takes you toward success. For business owners, it’s important to have both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals help you focus on what needs to be done right now, while long-term goals show you what you want your business to become in the future. Without goals, it’s easy to waste time and energy on things that don’t help you grow. Having clear goals also helps you see how far you’ve come and what changes you need to make along the way. Goals keep you going when things get tough and make you feel proud when you achieve them. In business, goals are like the rudder that keeps you on the right path toward success.
10. It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are our teachers – they help us to learn.
– John Bradshaw
John Bradshaw (1933–2016) was an American educator, counselor, and motivational speaker. He was widely recognized for his work on healing emotional trauma and personal growth.
Mistakes are inevitable when starting a business, whether it’s a product that doesn’t sell, a marketing strategy that fails, or challenges in managing processes or employees. But instead of fearing them, view them as valuable opportunities to learn and grow. It’s important that you do not fear mistakes. Seeing them as part of the process will allow you to become stronger, more flexible, and prepare yourself for future success. When I started this blog in May 2020, I often made mistakes. Some of them included grammar mistakes in the blog posts I had worked on. I spent my whole day thinking about those mistakes, but as time went on, I took them as an opportunity to identify my weaknesses. From there, I took it upon myself to learn how to avoid those mistakes. I’m not perfect by any means, but I’m much better at writing now than I was then. Yet, I continue to learn because I know there will be times when an error slips past me. The best you can do is learn from it and keep going so that you can do better next time.
10 More Inspiring Quotes from Great Thinkers for Entrepreneurs
*Click on the flipnook for more business wisdom.
For both seasoned business pros and those just entering the entrepreneurial world, our blog serves as a friendly guide through the twists of commerce, sprinkled with inspiration. The business insights gleaned from these quotes can not only elevate but transform your approach to business, offering a profound and nuanced adventure in entrepreneurship.
Each quote represents a valuable nugget of wisdom, fostering qualities such as confidence, resilience, and success. We are confident that they can reshape your perspective, inspiring you to bring your best to the business field. We extend our best wishes for your continued success in creating a more fulfilling and meaningful entrepreneurial life.
1.
It’s unbelievable how much you don’t know about the game you’ve been playing all your life.
2.
The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t play together, the club won’t be worth a dime.
3.
The way to catch a knuckleball is to wait until it stops rolling and then pick it up.
4.
A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.
5.
Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.
6.
I love it when people doubt me. It makes me work harder to prove them wrong.
7.
In life, I think huge failures are extremely important.
8. 
I don’t know that we’ll ever see a 3,000-strikeout guy again.
9.
If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.
10.
I’m just going to keep going. That’s been my motto since I was younger, through all adversity and all obstacles.
Ask any successful person, and they likely will tell you that imagination is a key to setting goals and pursuing them. What’s another one?
Not every successful person loves reading, but many of them do. Those who wish to acquire the knowledge necessary for success must read–as often as possible and even books with subject matters that at first glance, may not appear interesting.
The benefits of reading are numerous. Perhaps you prefer reading novels and being transported to another world. Or diving deep into a science book as you learn the workings of the universe and more. When you read, your brain cells light up as you take in the words and follow what’s happening in the text. If you hope to be successful, then you’ll need to read. And do lots of it. In a variety of subjects.
Before we proceed with the quotes, allow me to share with you my all-time favorite books. These are remarkable works of art, each with its own unique impact, cherished and studied for generations by students and lovers of books:
List of My Favorite Books
| The Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende |
| The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck |
| Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger |
| The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway |
| Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis |
| To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee |
| Death Be Not Proud by John J. Gunther |
| The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale |
I’ve read quite a number of business books over the years. There’s no limit to the amount of information that we can learn, and this year, as part of my goal to enhance my abilities and capabilities as a writer, I hope to acquire as much knowledge as possible.
If you know any great books that you feel will help writers and aspiring entrepreneurs, please share them below in the comment section.
Now that we’ve listed a couple of great works, let’s continue with 20 quotes about books and reading to inspire, encourage, and even make you laugh. Some of these sayings you should take with a grain of salt, but all will give you ideas about the importance of reading and how it can help you become more successful.
(1)
Joseph Addison was a strong believer in the power of reading to strengthen the mind. Reading not only gives you intelligence, but it replenishes and makes us better human beings overall.
(2)
Abraham Lincoln saw reading as a way to access knowledge discovered long before our time. Through books, we learn from the insights and experiences of others instead of beginning from nothing.
(3)
Anne Frank’s quote challenges the idea that hard work alone leads to success and reminds us of the value of leisure. It emphasizes making time for self-enrichment activities, such as reading, which nurture reflection, balance, and personal growth.
(4)
Reading is not just a leisure activity, but it is also a vital skill that enables one to participate fully in society and access opportunities.
(5)
Al Pacino teaches us about the emotional benefits of reading, including the fact that books can offer a form of companionship and emotional support.
(6)
Dave Barry believes that reading can serve as a mental vacation. It can be a form of escapism, offering individuals an opportunity to take a break from their daily lives and immerse themselves in different worlds and experiences.
(7)
Reading can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development, as it allows individuals to gain new perspectives and knowledge that can help them achieve their aspirations.
(8)
Reading can broaden an individual’s mental horizons by exposing them to diverse perspectives and ways of thinking, effectively allowing them to think with someone else’s head.
(9)
Reading can be a source of comfort and reassurance, as it can remind individuals that they are not alone in their experiences and emotions.
(10)
Books can help individuals become more empathetic by exposing them to different perspectives and experiences. They can broaden one’s understanding of the world and enable them to connect with others on a deeper level.
(11)
Just as a soul is essential to a body, books are essential to a room, representing knowledge, wisdom, and personal growth. A book-filled environment enriches the soul and mind, making it a place of inspiration and intellectual nourishment.
(12)
As you read and learn from books, your knowledge expands, enabling you to explore new horizons and experiences. Reading can unlock one’s potential and it can allow you journey to diverse destinations, both mentally and literally.
(13)
Each book allows readers to inhabit different worlds, experience various cultures, and understand countless perspectives. Through reading, students can gain a wealth of experiences and wisdom that enriches their own lives.
(14)
Books are not mere accessories but fundamental to personal growth and development. Reading is an indispensable tool for acquiring knowledge, shaping their understanding of the world, and ultimately achieving success in their academic pursuits.
(15)
Books, in any language, transport readers to new realms of vocabulary, culture, and imagination. This is actually one of my favorite quotes, because it speaks about poetry, which is, essentially, the language of everything.
(16)
The quote by René Descartes emphasizes the immense value of reading. Good books allow us to engage with the thoughts and ideas of brilliant thinkers from the past, offering timeless wisdom and insights.
(17)
These words underscore the transformative power of literacy. The ability to read opens up endless opportunities for knowledge, personal growth, and empowerment.
(18)
This quote highlights the magic of books, describing them as dreams that you can hold in your hand. This emphasizes the enchanting and immersive nature of reading, where stories and ideas come to life with each page.
(19)
Albert Einstein suggests that libraries are treasure troves of information, and the desire to seek knowledge is a fundamental trait.
(20)
Jim Rohn’s quote reminds us of the transformative power of reading. It highlights that reading is not just a leisurely activity but a key ingredient for personal growth and success, inspiring individuals to aim higher and reach their full potential.
Final Thoughts – 10 Powerful Quotes to Inspire Your Reading Habit
We hope you enjoyed our 20 quote selections on reading and books. It will expand your mind, make you more empathetic, and be a roadmap as you pursue success. Allow these quotes to motivate you and bear in mind that among the self-investments that don’t require any money, reading is one of the most beneficial. It will broaden your perspective, foster empathy, and serve as a guide as you strive for achievement. Keep in mind that success demands persistent effort and hard work, and reading will provide the impetus for your aspirations, objectives, and dreams. Grab a good book today and every day, and begin reading!
Dale Carnegie (1888–1955) was a pioneering figure in self-improvement, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. Born in Missouri, Carnegie became renowned for his courses in self-development, salesmanship, corporate training, and public speaking. His seminal work, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” published in 1936, remains one of the best-selling books of all time, influencing countless individuals worldwide. Carnegie’s teachings focus on effective communication, empathy, and personal development, making his quotes on life timeless and impactful.
Quotes have a remarkable way of distilling complex ideas into simple, memorable insights that can guide and inspire us. In our fast-paced world, finding motivation and direction can be challenging, but the right words can make a profound difference.
That’s why I decided to write this post on Dale Carnegie’s motivational quotes. His teachings on effective communication, empathy, and personal development have stood the test of time, helping countless individuals navigate their personal and professional lives. The following are some of Dale Carnegie’s most impactful quotes.
It is my hope that you attain the same clarity and encouragement that Carnegie’s wisdom has given to so many with his words of wisdom. The sayings cover everything from dealing with life’s problems to the value of sustained persistence in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Use these quotes to enhance your life in many aspects as you continue on the road in pursuit of success, whether it be personal or professional.
“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.”
“Feeling sorry for yourself, and your present condition, is not only a waste of energy but the worst habit you could possibly have.”
“If you want to be enthusiastic, act enthusiastic.”
“The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.”
“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”
“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.”
“The essence of all art is to have pleasure in giving pleasure.”
“When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.”
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.”
“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”
“One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses.”
“Your purpose is to make your audience see what you saw, hear what you heard, feel what you felt. Relevant detail, couched in concrete, colorful language, is the best way to recreate the incident as it happened and to picture it for the audience.”
“Fear doesn’t exist anywhere except in the mind.”
“Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.”
“The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.”
Last Updated on January 5, 2026
by Daniel Zohar
I’m an entrepreneur and digital marketing enthusiast who loves helping people grow—not just in affiliate marketing, but in all areas of online business. I enjoy showing others how to build a strong brand, create meaningful content, and use tools that make work easier. Over the years, I’ve learned what truly works in digital marketing, from creating websites that convert to building an engaged audience through email and social media. After more than ten years in the field, I’ve gathered plenty of lessons I enjoy sharing through my writing and talks. I use my own experiences to help others reach their goals and build something lasting. Besides running my business, I’m a fiction writer in the speculative genre, with dozens of short stories published in various magazines and anthologies. For eighteen years, I was a Top 10% Reviewer at Zoetrope, an online venue for creatives, where I helped members strengthen their writing. When I’m not working as a writer or marketer, you’ll probably find me cooking, reading, or watching a good baseball game. I live in New York City, where I was born and raised.