William H. Danforth quotes

William H. Danforth was an American entrepreneur and philanthropist born in 1870. He was the founder of the Ralston Purina Company, which grew to become one of the largest animal feed companies in the world. Danforth was also a co-founder of the American Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing young people's potential. His dedication to both business and philanthropy earned him a reputation as a visionary leader. Learn more about William H. Danforth and his legacy by exploring his contributions to the business and non-profit sectors.

You have a four-fold life to live: a body, a brain, a heart and a soul. These are your living tools. To use and develop them is not a task... It is a golden opportunity.

- William H. Danforth

The mind of a general makes one a general.

- William H. Danforth

The line of least resistance makes crooked rivers and crooked men. Each fish that battles upstream is worth ten that loaf in lazy bays.

- William H. Danforth

It’s a pretty good rule to remember that every time we come into contact with another person, even though just walking a block, our job is to lead him to a higher plane than that one on which we found him.

- William H. Danforth

I want you to start a crusade in you life – to dare to be your best.

- William H. Danforth

I dare you, whoever you are, to share with others the fruits of your daring. Catch a passion for helping others, and a richer life will come back to you.

- William H. Danforth

I dare you, boys and girls, to make life obey you, not you it. It is only a shallow dare to do the foolish things. I dare you to do the uplifting, courageous things.

- William H. Danforth

I dare you to think bigger, to act bigger, and to be bigger. I dare you to think creatively. I dare you to lead and inspire others. I dare you to build character. I dare you to share. And I promise you a richer and more exciting life if you do!

- William H. Danforth

Be your own self with all people whether they be King or Homeless. Always dare to share, naturally, frankly and honestly. Sharing increases.

- William H. Danforth

We were raised in a family that had high aspirations for their children, and those high aspirations tended to be along the lines of service and high-minded beliefs, living up to your responsibilities. Both my Danforth grandparents admired service very much.

- William H. Danforth

St. Louis has always been a great center for medicine. It has been a leader in the nation since the early part of the 20th century. Along with that, we've been a leader in medical science and biomedical science and innovation in medicine.

- William H. Danforth

Read the right kinds of books and don't let the author do all of your thinking for you. Interpret thoughts into something definite in your own life. How can you apply it in your work tomorrow? If you can contribute one ounce of original thought, you have dared to dream.

- William H. Danforth

Our most valuable possessions are those which can be shared without lessening; those which when shared multiply. Our least valuable possessions are those which when divided are diminished.

- William H. Danforth

I think with the needs to feed the world's population, to end starvation, plant sciences offer great opportunities to do good and also to develop industry in St. Louis.

- William H. Danforth

I am on a voyage of discovery. I search for those of you who will go on a great adventure. If you are one of those audacious few willing to dare and then to share then come with me.

- William H. Danforth

History records the successes of men with objectives and a sense of direction. Oblivion is the position of small men overwhelmed by obstacles.

- William H. Danforth

Deep down in every heart is the desire to be somebody, to get somewhere. But so often we sit waiting for the opportunity. I have found opportunities do not come to those who wait. They are captured by those who attack.

- William H. Danforth

Aspire nobly, adventure daringly, and serve humbly.

- William H. Danforth

Some folks are continually making changes. I flatter myself that I like new ventures and new experiences. But when it comes to fundamentals I believe in finding the right foundations and building on them. I'm a poor changer.

- William H. Danforth