John H. Johnson

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.

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

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

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.

Long shots do come in and hard work dedication and perseverance will overcome almost any prejudice and open almost any door.

To succeed, one must be creative and persistent.

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

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.

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.

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