Air Quote by Ross Perot
“Guys, just remember, if you get lucky, if you make a lot of money, if you get out and buy a lot of stuff--it's gonna break. You got your biggest, fanciest mansion in the world. It has air conditioning. It's got a pool. Just think of all the pumps that are going to go out. Or go to a yacht basin any place in the world. Nobody is smiling, and I'll tell you why. Something broke that morning. The generator's out; the microwave oven doesn't work . . . Things just don't mean happiness.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Ross Perot Business Conference, 1992
Wealth and material possessions do not guarantee happiness; they often bring new problems and maintenance burdens.
In simple terms: Money doesn’t bring joy.
Key Takeaway
Focus on relationships, not things.
Themes
materialism
happiness
maintenance
wealth
discontent
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- buying a house
- maintaining a yacht
- celebrating success
- dealing with breakdowns
Key Concepts
Consumerism
impermanence
stress
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly makes you happy beyond possessions?
- How do you handle inevitable breakdowns?
A Different Perspective
Even with riches, everyday failures can cause frustration.
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