P. T. Barnum quotes

P. T. Barnum was an American showman, businessman, and entertainer, famous for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. His innovative approach to promotion and spectacular exhibitions captivated audiences across the United States. He became a legendary figure in popular culture, known for his flair, curiosity, and showmanship. Here are 39 of his quotes:

The best kind of charity is to help those who are willing to help themselves.

P. T. Barnum

Every crowd has a silver lining.

P. T. Barnum

I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me.

P. T. Barnum

The foundation of success in life is good health: that is the substratum fortune; it is also the basis of happiness. A person cannot accumulate a fortune very well when he is sick.

P. T. Barnum

The plan of "counting the chickens before they are hatched" is an error of ancient date, but it does not seem to improve by age.

P. T. Barnum

But however mysterious is nature, however ignorant the doctor, however imperfect the present state of physical science, the patronage and the success of quacks and quackeries are infinitely more wonderful than those of honest and laborious men of science and their careful experiments.

P. T. Barnum

Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business.

P. T. Barnum

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 fact, as a general thing, money-getters are the benefactors of our race.

P. T. Barnum

A lovely nook of forest scenery, or a grand rock, like a beautiful woman, depends for much of its attractiveness upon the attendance sense of freedom from whatever is low; upon a sense of purity and of romance.

P. T. Barnum

Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business. Large stores, gilt signs, flaming advertisements, will all prove unavailing if you or your employees treat your patrons abruptly. The truth is, the more kind and liberal a man is, the more generous will be the patronage bestowed upon him.

P. T. Barnum

No man has a right to expect to succeed in life unless he understands his business, and nobody can understand his business thoroughly unless he learns it by personal application and experience.

P. T. Barnum

The show business has all phases and grades of dignity, from the exhibition of a monkey to the exposition of that highest art in music or the drama which secures for the gifted artists a world-wide fame princes well might envy.

P. T. Barnum

Unless a man enters upon the vocation intended for him by nature, and best suited to his peculiar genius, he cannot succeed.

P. T. Barnum

Always leave them wanting more.

P. T. Barnum

The noblest art is that of making others happy.

P. T. Barnum

Unless a man enters upon the vocation intended for him by nature, and best suited to his peculiar genius, he cannot succeed. I am glad to believe that the majority of persons do find their right vocation.

P. T. Barnum

Fortune always favors the brave, and never helps a man who does not help himself.

P. T. Barnum

Whatever you do, do it with all your might. Work at it, early and late, in season and out of season, not leaving a stone unturned, and never deferring for a single hour that which can be done just as well now.

P. T. Barnum

Clowns are the pegs on which the circus is hung.

P. T. Barnum

Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity.

P. T. Barnum

Science is the pursuit of pure truth, and the systematizing of it.

P. T. Barnum