P. T. Barnum
P. T. Barnum
Phineas Taylor "P. T." Barnumwas an American politician, showman, and businessman remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Although Barnum was also an author, publisher, philanthropist, and for some time a politician, he said of himself, "I am a showman by profession...and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me", and his personal aim was "to put money in his own coffers". Barnum is widely, but erroneously, credited with coining the phrase "There's...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionEntrepreneur
Date of Birth5 July 1810
CityBethel, CT
CountryUnited States of America
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.
There is no greater picture than that of 10,000 smiling children. No brighter music than their clear-ringing laughter. That I, with my small amusements, have created such precious art is my life's proudest achievement.
The noblest art is that of making others happy
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.
More persons, on the whole, are humbugged by believing in nothing than by believing in too much.
Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant.
The truth is, the more kind and liberal a man is, the more generous will be the patronage bestowed upon him.
The wonders of the ages assembled for your edification, education and enjoyment - for a price.
The orthodox faith painted God as a revengeful being, and yet people talk about loving such a being.
I am prouder of my title 'The Children's Friend' than if I were to be called 'The King of the World'.
How were the receipts today in Madison Square Garden ?
Without publicity a terrible thing happens: nothing.
He who is without a newspaper is cut off from his species.
You know I had rather be laughed at than not to be noticed at all…