The Hiltons, A Family Dynasty

In the end, what matters is the relationships we would have had: with ourselves and others, especially family members.

Every father could be nicer to his children. Because every child looks for love and approval from her/his father in one way or another.

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope.”

“Hilton began to understand that a staff of contented employees usually resulted in a thriving business.”

“Find your own particular talent; Be big; Be honest; Live with enthusiasm; Don’t let your possessions possess you; Don’t worry about your problems; Look up to people when you can–down to no one; Don’t cling to the past; Assume your full share of responsibility in the world and, finally, Pray consistently and constantly.”

“We have so much correspondence from him to people saying, ‘You helped me when times were tough, now I would like to help you. Would you like a job? Or would you like to buy stock in the company? What can I do to repay you for helping me?'”

“Because he had so stubbornly refused to default on his many bills, he found his reputation greatly enhanced among creditors and future backers.”

“He would find a way, especially when there seemed to be no way.”

“The essence of Communism is the death of the individual and the burial of his remains in a collective mass.”

“Sometimes it would be nice if he would just see the best in me, instead of the worst”

“The secret of her long marriage, was ‘I accept him for who he is, and he does the same for me.'”

“Personality and character are important. It’s not just the deal that matters, it’s the people in it. In fact, the best of deals fall apart because the people in them have a deficit of character.”

‘The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry–Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms, 1929

The Hiltons: The True Story of an American Dynasty by J. Randy Taraborrelli