Business Quote by Henry Ford
“A business which exists to make one man or one family rich, and whose existence is of no moment when this is achieved, is not solidly founded.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Business lecture, 1920, on wealth distribution
A business focused solely on enriching a single individual or family lacks lasting foundation.
In simple terms: Businesses should serve broader society, not just one rich family.
Key Takeaway
Build enterprises that create shared value.
Themes
economics
ethics
social responsibility
business strategy
Mood
critical
inspirational
Type
ethical
strategic
When to use this quote
- startup planning
- corporate governance
- community investment
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
stakeholder theory
wealth inequality
corporate purpose
Questions to Reflect On
- How can companies balance profit and community?
- What metrics assess shared value?
A Different Perspective
Profit‑first focus can ignore social impact.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
