"You cannot strengthen one by weakening another; and you cannot add to the stature of a dwarf by cutting off the leg of a giant."
Benjamin Franklin Fairless
Business Executive
Benjamin Franklin Fairless was a prominent American businessman known for his ethical leadership and commitment to corporate responsibility.
- Born
- January 1, 1890
- Died
- January 1, 1966
- Quotes
- 6
- Rank
- #5119
About Benjamin Franklin Fairless
Benjamin Franklin Fairless — Life and Legacy
Benjamin Franklin Fairless was a significant figure in American business, particularly recognized for his role as the president of the United States Steel Corporation. His leadership style was characterized by a strong emphasis on integrity and ethical practices, which he believed were crucial for sustainable success in the corporate world. Fairless famously stated that 'the best way to predict the future is to create it,' reflecting his proactive approach to leadership and innovation. He challenged the prevailing notion that profit should be the sole driver of business decisions, advocating instead for a model that considered the welfare of employees and the community. This perspective was revolutionary at a time when many businesses prioritized short-term gains over long-term responsibility. Today, Fairless's insights on leadership and integrity continue to resonate, reminding us that ethical practices are essential for building trust and fostering a positive corporate culture.
Quote collection
Benjamin Franklin Fairless quotes
6 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"We believe that there is one economic lesson which our twentieth century experience has demonstrated conclusively-that America can no more survive and grow without big business than it can survive and grow without small business.... the two are interdependent. You cannot strengthen one by weakening the other, and you cannot add to the stature of a dwarf by cutting off the legs of a giant."
"What is the recipe for successful achievement? To my mind there are just four essential ingredients: Choose a career you love, give it the best there is in you, seize your opportunities, and be a member of the team."
"What five members of the Supreme Court say the law is may be something vastly different from what Congress intended the law to be."
"Speakers have been showering us with pearls of wisdom for centuries, and if all of their valuable advice were laid end to end, it would still be just as good as new. Very little of it has ever been used."
"We know that the only alternative to private competition is government monopoly of enterprise. We know that when government monopolizes production, distribution, and employment, it is no longer the servant of men - it is their master. And, therefore, we know that economic liberty and political liberty are inseparable parts of the same ball of wax - that we must keep them both, or we shall lose them both."