Quote of the day by Jim Rohn: 'Successful people have libraries. The rest have...' - American author’s powerful lesson on life’s priorities

Quote of the day by Jim Rohn: Jim Rohn was one of the most influential American motivational speakers and personal development thinkers of the 20th century. Known for his clear, simple wisdom, he helped millions of people rethink how they approach success, discipline, and personal responsibility. His ideas continue to spread widely today through books, seminars, and social media quotes. Born in 1930 in Yakima, Washington, Rohn grew up in a modest farming family. He did not come from wealth or privilege, but his early life taught him the value of hard work. After briefly attending college, he dropped out and entered the working world.

In his early twenties, he met entrepreneur Earl Shoaff, who became his mentor and changed the direction of his life. Shoaff introduced Rohn to the idea that personal development is the foundation of success. Rohn soon began sharing his own insights through seminars. His speaking style was calm, simple, and deeply practical. Instead of complex theories, he focused on everyday habits - like reading, setting goals, and building discipline. He believed success was not about luck but about consistent effort and smart choices over time.

One of Jim Rohn’s most famous ideas is that 'you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with'. This message encouraged people to carefully choose their relationships and environment. He also often spoke about responsibility, saying that individuals must take control of their lives rather than blame circumstances.



Quote of the day

Quote of the day - "Successful people have libraries. The rest have big screen TVs," is widely attributed to American author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn.

Meaning of the quote

The quote of the day by Jim Rohn highlights the difference in habits between people who grow in life and those who stay stagnant. A 'library' here is not just a physical place, but a symbol of learning, reading, and continuous self-improvement. Successful people invest their time in books, ideas, and knowledge that help them grow mentally and professionally. They use their free time to build skills, gain wisdom, and understand how the world works better. On the other hand, the 'big screen TV' represents passive entertainment and distraction. It suggests spending long hours consuming content without learning anything useful or improving oneself. While relaxation is important, too much passive entertainment can take time away from personal growth. The deeper meaning of the quote is about choices and priorities. Jim Rohn is saying that success is not accidental - it is shaped by daily habits. What you do in your free time matters. If you feed your mind with knowledge, you grow. If you only seek comfort and entertainment, progress slows.

Rohn’s teachings had a major impact on future motivational leaders. Figures like Tony Robbins credit him as a key influence. His books, including 'The Art of Exceptional Living' and '7 Strategies for Wealth and Happiness', continue to be widely read.

What makes Jim Rohn’s message still powerful today is its simplicity. In a fast-changing world, his advice remains grounded in basic human truth: develop yourself first, build strong habits, and stay consistent. He reminded people that success is not an event, but a process.


Jim Rohn passed away in 2009, but his legacy lives on. His speeches are still shared globally, inspiring new generations to think differently about work, money, and life. In an age full of distractions, his voice remains a reminder that personal growth is the real foundation of lasting success.