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P.T. Barnum

90quotes

P.T. Barnum: A Life of Entertainment and Innovation


Full Name and Common Aliases


Phineas Taylor Barnum was born on July 5, 1810, in Bethel, Connecticut. He is often referred to as P.T. Barnum, a nickname that has become synonymous with the concept of showmanship.

Birth and Death Dates


July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891

Nationality and Profession(s)


American entrepreneur, showman, politician, and author

Early Life and Background


Phineas Taylor Barnum was born to a family of modest means. His father, Philo Barnum, was a tailor, and his mother, Irene T. Sturdevant Barnum, managed the household. The youngest child in a large family, P.T. was known for his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit from an early age.

Growing up in Bethel, Connecticut, Barnum developed a passion for reading and learning. He attended public schools and eventually became a teacher at the age of 12 to support his family financially. In his late teens, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in business.

Major Accomplishments


Barnum's life was marked by numerous achievements that showcased his innovative spirit and talent for entertainment. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:

Founding the American Museum in New York City (1835), which featured exhibits on art, science, and human oddities.
 Creating "Tom Thumb," a miniature performer who became an international sensation under Barnum's management.
Developing the concept of the traveling circus with his business partner William Cameron Coup, which eventually evolved into the modern-day Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Notable Works or Actions


Throughout his career, Barnum was known for his ability to create and promote sensational entertainment experiences. Some notable works and actions include:

The Greatest Show on Earth: Barnum's circus spectacle featured a diverse range of acts, including acrobats, aerialists, clowns, and animal performances.
The American Museum: This innovative institution showcased the wonders of science, art, and human curiosity, featuring exhibits such as the Fiji Mermaid and the Feejee Mermaid.
 Publicity Stunts: Barnum was a master of publicity and often used creative stunts to draw attention to his acts. He famously claimed that the American Museum had been visited by over 2 million people in its first year of operation.

Impact and Legacy


P.T. Barnum's impact on entertainment, business, and popular culture cannot be overstated. His innovative spirit, showmanship, and ability to connect with audiences have inspired generations of entrepreneurs, entertainers, and marketers.

Barnum's legacy extends beyond his own life, influencing the development of modern-day circuses, theme parks, and exhibitions. He remains an iconic figure in American entertainment history, remembered for his boundless energy, creativity, and passion for spectacle.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


P.T. Barnum is widely quoted and remembered due to his unique ability to craft memorable phrases and ideas that have become ingrained in popular culture. Some of his most famous quotes include:

"The nobbiest thing I ever heard."
 "I am a showman, not a humbug."

These phrases capture the essence of Barnum's personality: a masterful blend of charm, wit, and showmanship that continues to inspire audiences today.

This biography aims to provide an engaging and informative overview of P.T. Barnum's life and accomplishments, highlighting why he remains a widely quoted and remembered figure in American entertainment history.

Quotes by P.T. Barnum

Advertising is to a genuine article what manure is to land, – it largely increases the product.
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Advertising is to a genuine article what manure is to land, – it largely increases the product.
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In the United States, where we have more land than people, it is not at all difficult for persons in good health to make money.
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In the United States, where we have more land than people, it is not at all difficult for persons in good health to make money.
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The orthodox faith painted God as a revengeful being, and yet people talk about loving such a being.
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The orthodox faith painted God as a revengeful being, and yet people talk about loving such a being.
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True economy consists in always making the income exceed the outgo.
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True economy consists in always making the income exceed the outgo.
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Politics and government are certainly among the most important of practical human interests.
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Politics and government are certainly among the most important of practical human interests.
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Science is the pursuit of pure truth, and the systematizing of it.
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Science is the pursuit of pure truth, and the systematizing of it.
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Every crowd has a silver lining.
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Every crowd has a silver lining.
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No man has a right to expect to succeed in life unless he understands his business, and nobody can understand his business thoroughly unless he learns it by personal application and experience.
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No man has a right to expect to succeed in life unless he understands his business, and nobody can understand his business thoroughly unless he learns it by personal application and experience.
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I am indebted to the press of the United States for almost every dollar which I possess...
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I am indebted to the press of the United States for almost every dollar which I possess...
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A lovely nook of forest scenery, or a grand rock, like a beautiful woman, depends for much of its attractiveness upon the attendance sense of freedom from whatever is low; upon a sense of purity and of romance.
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A lovely nook of forest scenery, or a grand rock, like a beautiful woman, depends for much of its attractiveness upon the attendance sense of freedom from whatever is low; upon a sense of purity and of romance.
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