Al Neuharth

“We in the media could help [the insurance situation] if we put in proper perspective long range hurricane forecasts that often are exaggerated and play into insurers’ hands.”

“Ideas are harder to promote than products or personalities.”

“Life is a game and a gamble.”

“Be as nice as possible and as nasty as necessary.”

“Eat only when you are hungry. Drink only when you’re thirsty. Sleep only when you’re tired. Screw only when you’re horny.”

“The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.”

“Everyone should fail in a big way at least once before they’re forty. I don’t mean little disappointments, like screwing up an important assignment or quitting a good job or even getting fired from a normal job. It needs to be a big failure. You can only fail big if you take a big risk. The bigger you fail, the bigger you’re likely to succeed later.”

“Only cream and S.O.B.s rise to the top.”

“In my book, an S.O.B. is someone who uses whatever tactics it takes to get the job done—to rise to the top.”

“The saddest people I know are those who have spent thirty or forty years working for the same employer doing something they almost like.”

“You have to ask yourself, What do I really want to do or be? Then make yourself this promise: I will not look over my shoulder; I will use whatever I have learned, but I will not dwell on the mistakes I have made. Whether you're seventeen, twenty-seven or sixty-seven, you bring experience to your new venture or adventure. If you draw from your own experience and use it as a guide, focus on today and not yesterday, your chances of success are greatly improved.”