Does anyone believe for one moment that the progress we have made would have been possible under bureaucratic control of any government. This country was founded upon the principle of the regulation of private effort, of making rules for the game, and under that system alone can we look for the same success in the future which has been ours in the past. Our position today is the direct result of the free play among our people of private competitive effort.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Competition
It takes a person who is wide awake to make his dream come true.
—Roger Babson
Experiment is folly when experience shows the way.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Trying
Experience has taught me that there is one chief reason why some people succeed and others fail. The difference is not one of knowing, but of doing. The successful man is not so superior in ability as in action. So far as success can be reduced to a formula, it consists of this: doing what you know you should do.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Success, Ability
A character standard is far more important than ever a gold standard. The success of all economic systems is still dependent upon both righteous leaders and righteous people. In the last analysis, our national future depends upon our national character-that is, whether it is spiritually or materially minded.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Character
If things go wrong, don’t go with them.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Worry
If things are not going well with you, begin your effort at correcting the situation by carefully examining the service you are rendering, and especially the spirit in which you are rendering it.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Service, Attitude
I have not been able to find a single useful institution which has not been founded either by an intensely religious man or by the son of a praying father or a praying mother. I have made the statement before the chambers of commerce of all the largest cities of the country and have asked them to bring forward a case that is an exception to this rule. Thus far, I have not heard of a single one.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Religion
Let him who would enjoy a good future waste none of his present.
—Roger Babson
There isn’t a plant or a business on earth that couldn’t stand a few improvements—and be better for them. Someone is going to think of them. Why not beat the other fellow to it?
—Roger Babson
Topics: Improvement
Property may be destroyed and money may lose its purchasing power; but, character, health, knowledge and good judgment will always be in demand under all conditions.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Character, Judgment
More people should learn to tell their dollars where to go instead of asking them where they went.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Money
Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Failure, Strength, Graduation, Success
The successful man is one who had the chance and took it.
—Roger Babson
Topics: Opportunity, Chance
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
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- Charles G. Dawes American Diplomat, Politician
- Oprah Winfrey American TV Personality
- George P. Shultz American Economist
- Walt Disney American Entrepreneur
- Harriet Beecher Stowe American Abolitionist
- Calvin Coolidge American Head of State
- Hubert Humphrey American Head of State
- Thornton Wilder American Novelist, Dramatist
- Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. American Businessman, Philanthropist
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