"To be successful, keep looking tanned, live in an elegant building (even if you're in the cellar), be seen in smart restaurants (even if you nurse one drink), and if you borrow, borrow big."

Aristotle Onassis

"To be successful, keep looking tanned, live in an elegant building (even if you're in the cellar), be seen in smart restaurants (even if you nurse one drink), and if you borrow, borrow big."

Aristotle Onassis

This quote from Aristotle Onassis, born January 15, 1906, encapsulates his pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of success. Onassis was a self-made billionaire who built his fortune in the shipping industry, rising from modest beginnings in Greece to become one of the richest men in the world. His words reflect a deep understanding of the social dynamics and appearances that often drive success, particularly in high society and business.

The quote emphasizes the importance of perception in the pursuit of success. Onassis suggests that appearances—such as looking tanned, which implies wealth and leisure, and living in an elegant environment—are crucial, even if the reality is less glamorous. By living in an "elegant building," he alludes to the idea that one's surroundings can create an aura of success, regardless of one's actual financial situation. The advice to be "seen in smart restaurants" even while nursing a single drink speaks to the value of being visible in the right social circles, where connections and opportunities often arise.

The most striking part of the quote is the phrase, "if you borrow, borrow big." This reflects Onassis's belief in taking bold risks to achieve great rewards. He understood that in the world of business, borrowing large sums could lead to substantial returns, provided one is strategic and confident in their ventures. This approach contrasts with the more cautious mindset of minimizing debt, highlighting Onassis's willingness to leverage significant risk in pursuit of massive success.

Overall, the quote encapsulates Onassis's philosophy that success is not just about wealth, but also about cultivating the right image and taking calculated risks. He recognized that in the competitive world of business and high society, how one is perceived can be as important as their actual achievements. This insight into the power of perception, combined with a fearless approach to risk-taking, contributed to his legendary status as a business tycoon and symbol of success.