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24 Best Carl Icahn Quotes on Business (SUCCESS)

In the high-stakes world of business and investing, few names are as celebrated or as influential as Carl Icahn. Known for his fearless approach to corporate takeovers and his uncanny ability to turn around struggling businesses, Icahn’s insights offer a wealth of wisdom on strategy, risk, and the art of negotiation.

These quotes are not just investment strategies; they are life lessons from a man who has made a career out of challenging the status quo and transforming the fortunes of underperforming companies. They offer perspectives on perseverance, the power of conviction, and the multi-layered approach that forms Icahn’s unique philosophy of success.

Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a seasoned business professional, or simply someone fascinated by the mechanics of the corporate world, these quotes will challenge your thinking, enhance your business acumen, and inspire you to push boundaries.

Top 7 Most Famous Carl Icahn Quotes to Inspire Success in Your Life and Business

You learn in this business: If you want a friend, get a dog.Pin
You learn in this business: If you want a friend, get a dog.
Some people get rich studying artificial intelligence. Me, I make money studying natural stupidity.Pin
Some people get rich studying artificial intelligence. Me, I make money studying natural stupidity.
CEOs are paid for doing a terrible job. If the system wasn't so messed up, guys like me wouldn't make this kind of money.Pin
CEOs are paid for doing a terrible job. If the system wasn’t so messed up, guys like me wouldn’t make this kind of money.
I'm no Robin Hood, I enjoy making the money.Pin
I’m no Robin Hood, I enjoy making the money.
In life and business, there are two cardinal sins. The first is to act precipitously without thought and the second is to not act at all.Pin
In life and business, there are two cardinal sins. The first is to act precipitously without thought and the second is to not act at all.
I enjoy the hunt much more than the 'good life' after the victory.Pin
I enjoy the hunt much more than the ‘good life’ after the victory.
Don't confuse luck with skill when judging others, and especially when judging yourself.Pin
Don’t confuse luck with skill when judging others, and especially when judging yourself.

17 Highly Inspirational Carl Icahn Quotes to Motivate and Empower You

In risk there is reward…Pin
In risk there is reward…
When you have no one to answer to, vendetta as investment strategy is as legitimate as anything.Pin
When you have no one to answer to, vendetta as investment strategy is as legitimate as anything.
When nobody wants something, that creates an opportunity.Pin
When nobody wants something, that creates an opportunity.
I can tell you how bad our boards are... I don't have to watch Saturday Night Live anymore; I just go to the board meetings.Pin
I can tell you how bad our boards are… I don’t have to watch Saturday Night Live anymore; I just go to the board meetings.
Don't go in and tell somebody else how to run their business.Pin
Don’t go in and tell somebody else how to run their business.

When friends and acquaintances are telling you [that] you are a genius, before you accept their opinion, take a moment to remember what you always thought of their opinions in the past.

Carl Icahn
I like winning. There's also a certain joy in it. I feel fulfilled by it.Pin
I like winning. There’s also a certain joy in it. I feel fulfilled by it.
A great company in the media business needs visionary leaders, not a conglomerate structure headquartered in Columbus Circle that second guesses.Pin
A great company in the media business needs visionary leaders, not a conglomerate structure headquartered in Columbus Circle that second guesses.
A lot of people died fighting tyranny. The least I can do is vote against it.Pin
A lot of people died fighting tyranny. The least I can do is vote against it.
The CEO is, by far, the most important decision for a company… The company is going to rise and fall with the CEO.Pin
The CEO is, by far, the most important decision for a company… The company is going to rise and fall with the CEO.
The cardinal rule is to have enough capital at the end of the day.Pin
The cardinal rule is to have enough capital at the end of the day.
When most investors, including the pros, all agree on something, they're usually wrong.Pin
When most investors, including the pros, all agree on something, they’re usually wrong.
I have to look out for the shareholder’s interests, and I’m the largest shareholder.Pin
I have to look out for the shareholder’s interests, and I’m the largest shareholder.
Keep your head when all those around you are losing theirs and blaming it on you.Pin
Keep your head when all those around you are losing theirs and blaming it on you.
We have bloated bureaucracies in Corporate America. The root of the problem is the absence of real corporate democracy.Pin
We have bloated bureaucracies in Corporate America. The root of the problem is the absence of real corporate democracy.
With some exceptions, the wrong people are running U.S. companies. It's been that way for years, and it hasn't gotten much better.Pin
With some exceptions, the wrong people are running U.S. companies. It’s been that way for years, and it hasn’t gotten much better.
My wife watches me like a hawk.Pin
My wife watches me like a hawk.
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Carl Icahn Short Biography

Born on 16 February 1936 in New York City, U.S., Carl Celian Icahn is an American businessman, financier, the board chairman of Icahn Enterprises (a holding company with a diversified portfolio) and the chairman of Federal-Mogul (the manufacturer of powertrain components and vehicular products).

Back in the 1980s, Carl Icahn was often called a ruthless “corporate raider” by buying large stakes, asset stripping, and manipulating companies to increase shareholders’ value. TimeWarner, TWA, and Blockbuster were few of the companies that were subjected to Icahn’s hostile takeovers. source

Today, Carl Icahn is more often labeled an activist investor and as of June 2020, he has a net worth of $14 billion according to Forbes magazine.

Further reading:

Here are the best Carl Icahn quotes so you can have the courage to bet big in your greatest ideas and learn to enjoy the hunt more than the rewards.

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The Acquirer's Multiple: How the Billionaire Contrarians of Deep Value Beat the MarketPin
The Acquirer’s Multiple: How the Billionaire Contrarians of Deep Value Beat the Market

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Best Carl Icahn Quotes on Business (SUCCESS) - Gracious QuotesPin
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