Book Quote by Clark Clifford
“The First Lady asked me how many people passed through the White House on tours. When I told her thousands did, she said they should sell something to the tourists and use the profits to help redecorate the White House. She decided to make a small book. It cost 42 cents and sold for a dollar. Over the years it has brought in $42 million.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview with The New York Times, 1972
A modest idea turned into a lucrative venture by selling a cheap souvenir to tourists, generating massive profit for a public cause.
In simple terms: A small book sold to tourists raised huge money for the White House.
Key Takeaway
Leverage low‑cost products for high‑impact fundraising.
Themes
entrepreneurship
public finance
innovation
philanthropy
Mood
optimistic
pragmatic
Type
inspirational
business
When to use this quote
- tourism
- museum gift shops
- fundraising campaigns
- government budgeting
Key Concepts
profitability
value creation
public good
Questions to Reflect On
- How can other public institutions replicate this model?
- What ethical considerations arise from commercializing heritage?
A Different Perspective
Success depends on demand and effective marketing, not just low price.
