Quotes motivate, inspire during changing economic times

The months since September’s stock market crash have resulted in downsizing, layoffs and salary cuts in companies nationwide.

Although the Columbia Basin is relatively insulated from the economic problems of larger cities, the nonstop news stories and broadcasts are daunting.

It’s difficult to not question what the future holds during these times, so I looked to the past for insight and inspiration by reading well-known and historical quotes.

I turned to the Internet this week to find interesting quotes in the areas of business, economics, adversity and opportunity.

Here are some of my favorites:

“There is no security on this Earth, there is only opportunity.” Gen. Douglas MacArthur

“Trouble is only opportunity in work clothes.” Henry J. Kaiser

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger — but recognize the opportunity.” John F. Kennedy

“There can be no real individual freedom in the presence of economic insecurity.” Chester Bowles

“If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion.” George Bernard Shaw

“Drive thy business or it will drive thee.” Benjamin Franklin

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” Bill Gates

“The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them.” Benjamin Jowett

“When you aim for perfection, you discover it’s a moving target.” Geoffrey F. Fisher

“If you view all the things that happen to you, both good and bad, as opportunities, then you operate out of a higher level of consciousness.” Les Brown

“In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then begin looking for it.” Norman Vincent Peale

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Albert Einstein

“Opportunity often comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat.” Napoleon Hill

Add some of your own favorite quotes in the comments below.

Lynne Lynch is the Columbia Basin Herald business and ag reporter. Here is the first addition to her list: “Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.” Gen. George S. Patton