Birthdays occurring on February, 17

1874

Thomas J. Watson was born on February 17, 1874 American entrepreneur and founder of IBM , 1874-1956 Recently, I was asked if I was going to fire an employee who made a mistake that cost the company $600,000. No, I replied, I just spent $600,000 training him. Why would I want somebody to hire his experience? More quotations from Thomas J. Watson

1879

Dorothy Canfield Fisher was born on February 17, 1879 A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary More quotations from Dorothy Canfield Fisher

1902

Marian Anderson was born on February 17, 1902 American singer, one of the finest contraltos of her time. 1902-1993 Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it. More quotations from Marian Anderson

Deaths occurring on February, 17

1600

Giordano Bruno died on February 17, 1600 It is proof of a base and low mind for one to wish to think with the masses or majority, merely because the majority is the majority. Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people. More quotations from Giordano Bruno

1673

Moliere died on February 17, 1673 French actor and playwright. One of the greatest French comedic writers, 1622-1673 It's true Heaven forbids some pleasures, but a compromise can usually be found. More quotations from Moliere

1847

William Collins died on February 17, 1847 It seems only yesterday I used to believe there was nothing under my skin but light. If you cut me, I would shine. But now when I fall upon the sidewalks of life, I skin my knees. I bleed. More quotations from William Collins

1854

Lamennais died on February 17, 1854 French priest and political writer, 1782-1854 Even if women were immortal, they could never foresee their last lover More quotations from Lamennais

1856

Heinrich Heine died on February 17, 1856 German poet and writer, 1797-1856 Wherever they burn books they will also, in the end, burn human beings. More quotations from Heinrich Heine