P. T. Barnum: Money-Getters

P. T. Barnum Money Quote saying benefactors are those who get money and we are indebted to them. P. T. Barnum said:
  

 

“Money-getters are the benefactors of our race. To them … are we indebted for our institutions of learning, and of art, our academies, colleges and churches” — P. T. Barnum

In this quote, P.T. Barnum is expressing a favorable view of those who are successful at accumulating wealth (“money-getters”). The best interpretation is:

• Barnum refers to money-makers as the “benefactors of our race”, suggesting they provide important benefits to society through their economic activities.
• He credits them with being responsible for institutions like schools, art programs, academies and colleges coming into existence, implying they donate wealth to support such organizations.
• Barnum also gives moneyed individuals credit for churches being built.

Overall, the quote portrays Barnum as believing the wealthy play a pivotal philanthropic role by establishing important social, educational and cultural institutions using their financial resources. From his perspective, society largely owes its advanced structures to those highly skilled at business and generating profits.

Birthday: July 5, 1810 – Death: April 7, 1891

P. T. Barnum: Worth Their Money

P. T. Barnum Money Quote saying I’m not a bad guy and give people double the value for their money. P. T. Barnum said:
 

 

“As a general thing, I have not ‘duped the world’ nor attempted to do so… I have generally given people the worth of their money twice told” — P. T. Barnum

In this quote, P.T. Barnum seems to be defending himself against accusations that he deceived or took advantage of customers through trickery or false advertising. The best interpretation is:

• Barnum denies that his general approach was to deliberately “dupe” or mislead the public for profit through cons and trickery.
• He argues that rather than duping people, he aimed to provide excellent value and entertainment well worth the cost of admission through his various shows and exhibitions.
• Barnum claims he “generally” tried to give audiences “the worth of their money twice told” – implying he tried to significantly over-deliver on quality and satisfaction relative to the ticket prices.

Overall, the quote conveys Barnum’s perspective that while he may have been controversial or sensationalist in promotion at times, his goal was not to scam customers but offer a genuinely good experience that more than justified the monetary investment in his perspective on delivering value to audiences through his showmanship and productions.

Birthday: July 5, 1810 – Death: April 7, 1891

P.T. Barnum: Terrible Master

P.T. Barnum Money Quote saying determining whether the boss is money or if it acts as our servant. P.T. Barnum said:
 

 

“Money is in some respects like fire; it is a very excellent servant but a terrible master” — P. T. Barnum

In this quote, P.T. Barnum seems to be commenting on the complex relationship between money and happiness. By comparing money to fire in that it can be an “excellent servant but a terrible master”, Barnum implies that while financial resources enable opportunities and comforts when kept in proper perspective, becoming dominated or defined by the pursuit of wealth risks negative consequences.

The quote conveys Barnum’s perspective that money has the potential to enhance life when valued as a tool for living fully rather than an end in itself, but excessive focus on its accumulation can become an all-consuming drive that impairs well-being. Overall, he appears to be advocating maintaining moderation with finances so that they serve rather than rule one’s choices and priorities.

Birthday: July 5, 1810 – Death: April 7, 1891

P.T. Barnum: Lost Dollar Taste

P.T. Barnum Money Quote saying those who believe American tastes are poor have not lost on that bet as yet. P.T. Barnum said:
 

 

“Nobody ever lost a dollar by underestimating the taste of the American public” — P.T. Barnum

P.T. Barnum was commenting on the business acumen needed to succeed in show business and entertainment in America. The quote suggests that the American public has widely varying and unpredictable tastes. It can be easy to underestimate what kinds of acts, performances or exhibitions the general population will embrace.

Therefore, Barnum is advising to aim broad and low with offerings, since the tastes of average Americans are difficult to definitively gauge.

By not making overly refined assumptions, and by providing diversions for a wide audience, one is less likely to “lose a dollar” financially. In short, Barnum advocated catering to mainstream rather than elite tastes when it comes to commercial entertainment ventures in his country.

Birthday: July 5, 1810 – Death: April 7, 1891

P.T. Barnum: Acquires a Fortune

P.T. Barnum Money Quote saying those who work hardest for their money inevitably earn more of it, while those who limit their effort, limit their income. Quote from his book ‘The Art of Money Getting: Golden Rules for Making Money’ P.T. Barnum said:
 

 

“Many a man acquires a fortune by doing his business thoroughly, while his neighbor remains poor for life, because he only half does it. Ambition, energy, industry, perseverance, are indispensable requisites for success in business” — P.T. Barnum

In this quote, P.T. Barnum is advising on the keys to achieving success and prosperity in business. He notes that many people remain poor because they only put in partial effort and don’t fully commit to their work. However, those who acquire fortunes are those who do their business “thoroughly” – meaning they give it their complete attention, energy and diligence.

Barnum identifies traits like ambition, energy, industry (hard work) and perseverance as being indispensable or essential for business success.

The quote emphasizes that half-hearted attempts are not enough – one must be fully dedicated to their business through good times and bad in order to attain the rewards of wealth and financial security.

Overall, Barnum is encouraging full commitment of both effort and perseverance for those seeking prosperity in the commercial world.

Birthday: July 5, 1810 – Death: April 7, 1891

P. T. Barnum: Desire for Wealth Laudable

P. T. Barnum Money Quote saying the caveat to desiring wealth is that it must also come with responsibility. P. T. Barnum said:
 

 

“The desire for wealth is nearly universal, and none can say it is not laudable, provided the possessor of it accepts its responsibilities, and uses it as a friend to humanity” — P. T. Barnum

In this quote, P.T. Barnum suggests that the desire for wealth is common to most people and is not inherently bad, provided that the wealthy person takes on the responsibilities that come with wealth and uses their wealth to help others.

Barnum implies that wealth alone is not wrong or immoral, but it is how one uses their wealth that determines whether it is put to good or bad ends. He sees wealth as acceptable and even commendable if the possessor accepts the duty that comes with wealth to support humanity with their resources.

Overall, Barnum appears to be arguing that the drive for wealth is normal but wealth must be accompanied by responsibility towards others in order to be considered praiseworthy.

Birthday: July 5, 1810 – Death: April 7, 1891