Thomas Friedman Quotes

It's our instinct to want to acquire a better lifestyle for ourselves and our families.

I am determined that my children should have no financial security. It ruins people not having to earn money.

If you're extremely rich, and you have got children, my theory was, you give them enough so they can do anything, but not enough so they can do nothing.

Money is not the only answer, but it makes a difference.

By 17, I was modeling and had bought myself a flat. I've always tried to be self-sufficient.

Our goal is to upgrade the life of China's middle class. We all want to live better.

One thing I know about the rich, being rich, is that you can take money from me and tomorrow, I'm still going to be rich.

I've always paid my own way, I've never lived off anyone.

For women especially, it's important to be financially independent.

I was hoping I could become a success to give my mother and my father a better way of living.

The right amount of money to leave children is enough money so that they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing

Our whole evolutionary thinking leads us to the conclusion that economic independence lies at the very foundation of social and moral well-being.

Independence feels like a luxury, where the reality is that it's hard to survive financially for so many people out there.

You must be independent and able to do for yourself. Then you do not have to marry a rich man; you can marry a poor one. And if it is wrong, you can go.

Financial independence is paramount. My mom always says that when a woman is financially independent, she has the ability to live life on her own terms. I think that was the soundest advice that I ever got. No matter where you go in life or who you get married to, you have to be financially independent - whether you use it or not.

For most of America's history, people typically aspired to acquire 'a competency' rather than great riches. A competency meant the ability to comfortably sustain a household without depending on others. 'Competence' also meant being capable and reliable. The American Dream was that people who worked hard and capably could support their families.

I come from a large family, with 16 cousins. My cousins studied well and moved to the U.S. When we all gathered together for special occasions, they would be well groomed and confident. I was the odd, useless one out. All I wanted was to be able to earn without my dad's help and be self-sufficient enough to own a house and a vehicle.

Finding that financial independence away from a broken relationship is probably one of the most powerful places a woman can get to.

I don't depend on 'The Kapil Sharma' Show for my living.

When it comes to money, I can earn it.

I buy my own clothes. I have a teacher's salary.

I can buy anything I want now. It hasn't changed me personally. It just changed what I can do for myself and my family.

Understanding money is part of being independent. You can't be self-sufficient if you're relying on someone else.

We will remain independent for as long as our economy develops as needed. We won't be able to maintain our independence if we ruin the economy.

I've been able to provide for my family, move out of Harlem and travel the world.