Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) Irish Poet, Playwright
There are very honest people who do not think that they have had a bargain unless they have cheated a merchant.
—Anatole France (1844–1924) French Novelist
In fast-moving, progress-conscious America, the consumer expects to be dizzied by progress. If he could completely understand advertising jargon he would be badly disappointed. The half-intelligibility which we expect, or even hope, to find in the latest product language personally reassures each of us that progress is being made: that the pace exceeds our ability to follow.
—Daniel J. Boorstin (1914–2004) American Historian, Academic, Attorney, Writer
Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman — not the attitude of the prospect.
—W. Clement Stone (1902–2002) American Self-help Guru, Entrepreneur
Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Sometimes one pays most for the things one gets for nothing.
—Albert Einstein (1879–1955) German-born Physicist
Every one lives by selling something, whatever be his right to it.
—Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–94) Scottish Novelist
We used to build civilizations. Now we build shopping malls.
—Bill Bryson (1951–95) American Humorist, Author, Educator
Open your hands, ye whose hands are full! The world is waiting for you! The whole machinery of the Divine beneficence is clogged by your hard hearts and rigid fingers.
Give and spend,
and be sure that God will send;
for only in giving and spending
do you fulfill the object of His sending.
—Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819–81) American Editor, Novelist