John H. Johnson Quotes

United States, Businessman
January 19, 1918 – August, 8, 2005.

John Harold Johnson (January 19, 1918 – August 8, 2005) was an American businessman and publisher. He was the founder of the Johnson Publishing Company. In 1982, he became the first African American to appear on the Forbes 400. Johnson's Ebony (founded 1945) and Jet (founded 1951) magazines were among the most influential African-American businesses in media in the second half of the twentieth century.

Also known as Publisher

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

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.

John H. Johnson
- Dream
- Small
- Confidence

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.

John H. Johnson
- People
- Help
- Black
You spend so much time in your profession it ought to be something you love.

John H. Johnson
- Time
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.

John H. Johnson
- Life
- Work
- Great
Failure is a word that I simply don't accept.

John H. Johnson
- Failure
To succeed, one must be creative and persistent.

John H. Johnson
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.

John H. Johnson
- People
- Opportunity
- Smart

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

John H. Johnson