Quotes from Jon M. Huntsman Sr.

Self-pity is the most negative quality of the human spirit. Difficulties in life are intended to make us better, not bitter.

A crisis creates the opportunity to dip deep into the reservoirs of our very being, to rise to levels of confidence, strength, and resolve that otherwise we didn't think we possessed.

Engaging in activities devoid of difficulty, lounging in risk-free zones, is life without great meaning.

There are times when it is prudent to turn the other cheek, especially when it comes to spouses, family members, and friends. Courtesy and love are contagious and are far more effective over the long-haul than trying to ruin the reputation and well-being of another. (Chapter 7)

There is a fun fact that suggests America has 40 lawyers for every engineer, whereas China, emerging as one of the world's most dynamic nations, has 40 engineers for every lawyer. I am not sure exactly what that says, but it can't be a plus for the United States. It may only be coincidence that the explosion in ethical and legal lapses in the business world parallels proportionately the increase in lawyers.

Once dishonesty is introduced, distrust becomes the hallmark of future dealings or associations.

There is no book written, no guideline yet crafted, and no class lecture devised that explains how to activate courage. Courage comes from deep within one's being. Courage is not the understanding of what is right or wrong. Rather, it is the strength to choose the right course.

There are no exact duplicates in nature. Each human is unique. When we seek to be like the next person, we lose autonomy. Failure often is the result of following the crowd. If the character of the person we are following lacks strength, honesty, and courage, that person's weaknesses can become ours. Conversely, following someone who exhibits those attributes reinforces one's own resolve and character.

Character is most determined by integrity and courage.

The confusion, frustration, stress, and fears that come with financial dilemmas can make even the most ethical of individuals vulnerable to bad choices.

All that is required to be a philanthropist is a passion for making a difference.

I have always held in high regard individuals who informed me that certain behavior or policies were inappropriate. I respect candor. My door is always open for news—good or bad. Many leaders only want to hear the positive. It is dangerous to be employed by such people. Those who never want to hear bad news don't want to know when they are off course.

Lawyers have us trained to believe nothing is airtight, any agreement can be broken, and that life is one big loophole. A handshake ends up as meaningless as an Enron audit. Heaven forbid the law be the law. Today, the law is whatever the client wants it to be. Today, we can sue anybody over anything. We can ruin a reputation with a simple allegation, trumpeting the canard worldwide on the Internet in seconds.

NONE OF US IS AS SMART AS ALL OF US.

Winning isn't always measured in money. There will be times when one will lose money—sometimes a lot of it—but winning is much more than ledgers. In assessing our worth, look first to the bedrock of our lives: values, health, family, and friends. Dying is no fun, even if you leave behind a pot of gold. Family and friends are the lifeblood and legacy of our lives.

The family is the basic societal unit. As such, it is the foundation for society's prosperity, order, happiness, and values.

The realities of this world are hard work, preparation, negotiation, determination, commitment, honesty, and charity.

happiness is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.

The recipe for happiness is to have just enough money to pay the monthly bills you acquire, a little surplus to give you confidence, a little too much work each day, enthusiasm for your work, a substantial share of good health, a couple of real friends, and a wife and children to share life's beauty with you.

I define those who have gained fame and fortune not so much by their achievements as by how they got there—the enormous odds they overcame, the dignity and courage they displayed in the process, the way they treated people ethically and fairly along the way.

Preach the Gospel, and if you must, use words," comes to mind.

Life is not a game of Solitaire; people depend on one another. When one does well, others are lifted. When one stumbles, others also are impacted.

FIND OUT HOW MUCH GOD HAS GIVEN YOU AND FROM IT TAKE WHAT YOU NEED; THE REMAINDER IS NEEDED BY OTHERS.

Nobody is completely self-made; return the favors and good fortune.