William Feather’s “The Business of Life”

Some quotes from William Feather’s 1949 book, “The Business of Life.” It’s a collection of short notes, letters, newspaper columns magazine articles. Very insightful, and something like reading a blog from the 1930’s and 40’s.

The way to get things done is to have a good assistant.

In closing a deal, what you don’t say may be more helpful than what you do say.

…every job has two salaries. One is the pay you get. The other is the mental satisfaction you derive from working for the company.

Business is scheming ways by which you can help your customers make an extra dollar in the hope that they will let you keep ten cents for yourself.

Business is showing a prospect how a job should be done and then having him give it to a competitor.

If you do not have the capacity for happiness with a little money, great wealth will not bring it to you.

Many people are thwarted by excessive ambition. They want a hundred thousand dollars but are unwilling to save a hundred dollars. They want a big house, but do not accumulate enough money to make the down payment on on a small house. They want to write a book, but will not learn to write a letter. Most men become successful and famous, not through ambition, but through ability and character.