John H. Johnson's Quotes

Dream small dreams. If you make them too big, you get overwhelmed and you don't do anything. If you make small goals and accomplish them, it gives you the confidence to go on to higher goals.

To succeed, one must be creative and persistent.

It's better to get smart than to get mad. I try not to get so insulted that I will not take advantage of an opportunity to persuade people to change their minds.

All have disappointments, all have times when it isn't worthwhile.

My mother was the influence in my life. She was strong; she had great faith in the ultimate triumph of justice and hard work. She believed passionately in education.

Every day I run scared. That's the only way I can stay ahead.

Failure is a word that I simply don't accept.

You spend so much time in your profession it ought to be something you love.

When I go in to see people - and I sell an occasional ad now - I never say, 'Help me because I am black' or 'Help me because I am a minority.' I always talk about what we can do for them.