Jeff Bezos Says He Keeps this Inspiring Quote On His Fridge at All Times
Fridges usually act as the perfect canvas for our post-it notes, family photos, scribbled drawings, and assorted magnets from past travels. If you're an entrepreneur, you most likely have a few motivational quotes stuck to your fridge door too. Turns out you have that in common with none other than Amazon CEO and founder, Jeff Bezos.
The billionaire businessman recently revealed his daily source of inspiration by tweeting a photo captioned, "Love this quote. It's been on my fridge for years, and I see it every time I open the door. #Emerson"
His tweet was met with both praise and criticism. The latter is largely due to Amazon's conflict with Seattle's new tax to help the city's homeless. Another user clarified that the quote is actually not from Ralph Waldo Emerson, but from American author Bessie A. Stanley in her essay titled, "What constitutes success?"
Regardless of whether or not you agree with how Bezos runs his professional and personal affairs, the quote still stands as a true representation of what it means to be successful.
How Bezos lives up to his favorite quote
There are many lines of this inspirational quote that Jeff Bezos is working hard to fulfill. For one, Amazon is the world's biggest retailer and has undoubtedly improved many aspects of our lives. (Even if you just use it to order dog toys in bulk.)
Most recently, Amazon purchased PillPack to allow consumers faster and cheaper access to important medication. And how can we forget the innovation of the Amazon Echo, which has been used in everything from assisting EMTs in ambulances, to teaching children valuable life lessons, and even acting as a health assistant for senior citizens.
Bezos is also spending a billion dollars a year of his own money on Blue Origin, his very own space company. While many will argue there is enough to fix on Earth before funding outrageous space adventures, Bezos insists Blue Origin is his "most important work."
In an interview with Business Insider, Bezos explained that space exploration was critical for human survival, and that heavy (contaminating) industries could be moved to other planets, leaving Earth to be a clean and residential planet.
Not everyone agrees with this approach, but one thing that can be said for sure is that Jeff Bezos is undoubtedly looking to "redeem the social condition" in more ways than we can imagine.
How this quote applies to you
As you read that quote on Bezos' fridge, what comes up in your mind? Are you working to achieve any of those elements for success? If you're drawing a blank, how can you start today?
Jeff Bezos has given plenty of powerful words of advice about achieving success that you can take a look at for motivation.
Whatever you choose to do next, do your best to make sure it brings you closer to making the world just a bit better than it was yesterday. That's true success.
Woman holding her child's clothing.Marla Branyan / @marla_branyan
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.