Quotes by J. Paul Getty

The conformist is not born. He is made. I believe the brainwashing process begins in the schools and colleges.

There is obviously something wrong with our educational system. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that there might even be something wrong with at least some of our schoolteachers. But heaven help anyone daring to express such heretical views.

In some respects, a society in which the members reach a universal level in which they are anonymous drones by choice is even more frightening than one in which they are forced to be so against their will. When human beings relinquish their individuality and identity of their own volition, they are also relinquishing their claim to being human.

In my own opinion, the average Americans cultural shortcomings can be likened to those of the educated barbarians of ancient Rome. These were barbarians who learned to speak--and often to read and write--Latin. They acquired Roman habits of dress and deportment. Many of them handily mastered Roman commercial, engineering and military techniques--but they remained barbarians nonetheless. They failed to develop any understanding, appreciation or love for the art and culture of the great civilization around them.

It has always been my contention that an individual who can be relied upon to be himself and to be honest unto himself can be relied upon in every other way.

My evanescent anarchistic tendencies are purely classical. I use the word anarchist in the sense in which it was understood by the ancient Greeks. They, of course, accepted the anarchist as a fairly respectable--if somewhat vehement--opponent of government encroachment on the individuals rights to think and act freely. It is in this sense that I glimpse myself as an anarchist--regretting the growth of government and the ever-increasing trend toward regulation and, worst of all, standardization of human activity.

The majority is by no means omniscient just because it is the majority. In fact, Ive found that the line which divides majority opinion from mass hysteria is often so fine as to be virtually invisible.

There is, however, hope for any person who wants to remain an individual. He can assert himself and refuse to conform. Hell be on his own, thats true, but while he will not have the security enjoyed by those who do conform, there will be no limits to what he may achieve.

There are one hundred men seeking security to one able man who is willing to risk his fortune.

My formula for success is rise early work late and strike oil.

The meek shall inherit the Earth, but not its mineral rights.

I buy when other people are selling.

If you owe the bank $100 thats your problem. If you owe the bank $100 million, thats the banks problem.

I hate to be a failure. I hate and regret the failure of my marriages. I would gladly give all my millions for just one lasting marital success.

A hatred of failure has always been part of my nature.

My love of fine art increased - the more of it I saw, the more of it I wanted to see.

Formula for success: rise early, work hard, strike oil.

In Japan, I was immensely impressed by the politeness, industrious nature and conscientiousness of the Japanese people.

In times of rapid change, experience could be your worst enemy.

The employer generally gets the employees he deserves.