Adam Smith

Let us not, however, upon this account rashly conclude that she is capable of supporting any burden, nor even be too confident that she could support, without great distress, a burden a little greater than what has already been laid upon her.

The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would … assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.

All money is a matter of belief.

The profusion of government … [has] retarded the natural progress.

There is no art which one government sooner learns of another than that of draining money from the pockets of the people.

[Governments are] …without exception, the greatest spendthrifts in the society.

You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.

Due diligence equals increasing your financial IQ daily.

If you want to be rich… don’t allow yourself the luxury of excuses.

People with goals succeed because they know where they’re going.

If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.

You can make just about anything of your life-anything you will believe or will visualize, anything you will pray for and work for. Look deeply into your mind. Amazing wonders are there. Whatever the situation may be, you can improve it.

Whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.

I gave up the guitar in 1965. Didn’t want to see a guitar. I’d go out and get drunk. When I came out of the heart surgery, the doc said, “Promise me you’ll work hard.” I said, “I thought working hard is what got me here.” He said, “No, working is what will keep you alive.”

The most effective way to do it, is to do it.

Go forth into the world and turn your hopes and dreams into action. America has always been the land of dreams because America is a nation of true believers.

Successful people are those who are willing to delay gratification and make sacrifices in the short term so that they can enjoy far greater rewards in the long term.

The more people tell you it’s not possible, that it can’t be done, the more you should be absolutely determined to prove them wrong. Treat the word ‘impossible’ as nothing more than motivation.

If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.

Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.

A good tool improves the way you work. A great tool improves the way you think.