One of the world's most famous entrepreneurs, Phineas T. Barnum (1810–1891) was born on this day in Bethel, Connecticut. With little formal education, he relied on his wits to succeed after his father's death when he was just 14.

"Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he coined, the first spin master of hype.

Creator of The Greatest Show on Earth, Barnum introduced the world’s oldest woman, Joice Heth, in 1836. His American Museum in New York City featured 500,000 oddities, jugglers, and curiosities. He toured with Charles Stratton—Tom Thumb—who met Queen Victoria.

"The public loves to be fooled," he believed, turning Dr. Samuel Johnson’s quote into promotional genius. (Barnum's 10 Basic Principles to Success)

He captured the public’s imagination with parades and flamboyant publicity. The word "jumbo" in advertising is all Barnum. "You must gather a crowd," he said about success.

With unrelenting energy, he debuted his three-ring circus at age 60, later joining forces with James Bailey in 1881.

A banker, politician, journalist, and land developer, Barnum became the second richest man in America. His autobiography was one of the 19th century’s most widely read books.

"We cannot all see alike," he said, "but we can all do good."