P.T. Barnum

Showman, circus, hoaxes

Contemporary weird famous 162 sayings

Sayings by P.T. Barnum

I am not rich enough to be mean.

1869 — From his autobiography, 'Struggles and Triumphs'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The public always wants to be humbugged, but they don't want to be caught at it.

1860s-1880s (approx) — Reported observation on human nature and entertainment
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You must get the public excited, and then give them something to talk about.

1860s-1880s (approx) — Reported advice on publicity
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The road to wealth is open to all who have the courage to take it.

1880 — From his book, 'The Art of Money Getting'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe in printers' ink.

1860s-1880s (approx) — Reported statement on the power of advertising and print media
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest enemy of progress is 'good enough.'

1870s-1880s (approx) — Reported business philosophy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Every crowd has a silver lining.

1870s-1880s (approx) — Playful observation, often attributed to him regarding large audiences
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The bigger the humbug, the better the show.

1860s-1880s (approx) — Reported cynical observation about public taste
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Politeness and good manners are like sunshine to an audience.

1880 — From his book, 'The Art of Money Getting'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have a passion for the extraordinary.

1850s-1880s (approx) — Reported personal reflection on his interests
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The public is always willing to be amused.

1860s-1880s (approx) — Reported observation on human nature
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

My business is to please the public.

1869 — From his autobiography, 'Struggles and Triumphs'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Nobody ever lost a dollar by doing a good turn.

1880 — From his book, 'The Art of Money Getting'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The bigger the show, the bigger the profits.

1870s-1880s (approx) — Reported business philosophy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not a philanthropist, but I try to do good.

1870s-1880s (approx) — Reported statement on his public image and actions
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The greatest pleasure is to give pleasure.

1880 — From his book, 'The Art of Money Getting'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I believe in advertising, honestly, but I also believe in taking advantage of circumstances.

1860s-1880s (approx) — Reported statement on his approach to promotion
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.

1880 — From his book, 'The Art of Money Getting'
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The public wants to be surprised, to be astonished, to be delighted.

1870s-1880s (approx) — Reported observation on audience expectations
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have found that the best way to make money is to entertain people.

1860s-1880s (approx) — Reported business philosophy
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable