P. T. Barnum Quotes

“The show business has all phases and grades of dignity, from the exhibition of a monkey to the exposition of that highest art in music or the drama.”

“I am a showman by profession, and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me.”

“Clowns are the pegs on which the circus is hung.”

“To me there is no picture so beautiful as smiling, bright-eyed, happy children; no music so sweet as their clear and ringing laughter.”

“If we could have a full exposure of "the tricks of trade" of humbugs and deceivers of past times, religious, political, financial, scientific, quackish and so forth, we might perhaps look for a somewhat wiser generation to follow us.”

“Witchcraft is one of the most baseless, absurd, disgusting and silly of all the humbugs.”

“Science is the pursuit of pure truth, and the systematising of it.”

“Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity.”

“Medicine is the means by which we poor feeble creatures try to keep from dying or aching.”

“Politics and government are certainly among the most important of practical human interests.”

“I am no politician; I came to this legislature simply because I wish to have the honour of voting for the two constitutional amendments: one for driving slavery entirely out of our country; the other to allow men of education and good moral character to vote, regardless of the colour of their skins.”

“In the light of the great American spirit of liberty and equal rights which is sweeping over this country, no party can afford to carry slavery, either of body or of mind. Knock off your manacles and let the man go free.”

“Be systematic.”

“Don't blab.”

“Use the best tools.”