Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, born on August 19, 1919, in New York City, was an influential American entrepreneur, publisher, and politician. He inherited Forbes magazine in 1954 and expanded it into a global powerhouse of business journalism, while also building a reputation for his extravagant lifestyle, art collections, and adventures like hot air ballooning. Forbes ran for Governor of New Jersey in 1957, showcasing his public spirit, and his quotes often reflected his bold philosophy on life, success, and human nature. Drawn from books, interviews, and speeches, these insights continue to inspire. In this collection, we present 15 of Malcolm Forbes’ quotes about life, highlighting his wisdom on living fully and facing challenges.
15 Malcolm Forbes Quotes
1. “The biggest mistake people make in life is not making a living at doing what they most enjoy.” (Book, “Fact and Comment,” 1974)
2. “Success follows doing what you want to do. There is no other way to be successful.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1975)
3. “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” (Speech, Harvard University, 1982)
4. “People who matter are most aware that everyone else does, too.” (Book, “Fact and Comment,” 1974)
5. “Victory is sweetest when you’ve known defeat.” (Interview, Wall Street Journal, 1978)
6. “Life is a party. Dress for it.” (Interview, New York Times, 1987)
7. “Risk is the spice of life.” (Interview, Playboy Magazine, 1979)
8. “The purpose of life is to fight maturity.” (Book, “Sayings of Chairman Malcolm,” 1973)
9. “Do what you love, and the money will follow.” (Interview, Forbes Magazine, 1985)
10. “Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement.” (Book, “Fact and Comment,” 1974)
11. “Let your children go if you want to keep them.” (Public address, New Jersey, 1980)
12. “The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.” (Book, “Etiquette for Modern Times,” 1988)
13. “Life’s a game—and I intend to win.” (Autobiography, “More Than I Dreamed,” 1989)
14. “Diversity: the art of thinking independently together.” (Interview, Forbes Magazine, 1985)
15. “To measure the man, measure his heart.” (Interview, BusinessWeek, 1982)
These quotes paint a picture of Malcolm Forbes as a vibrant thinker who championed living with passion, embracing risks, and learning from setbacks. They reveal his belief in authenticity and joy, encouraging us to pursue meaningful lives. What insights from Forbes resonate with you? Share your thoughts or a favorite quote in the comments below.