Life Lessons

from Hugh Hefner

Hugh Hefner once famously quipped, "Life is too short to be living somebody else's dream." And he would know. No one in modern history lived his dream more than Hef. After being denied a small raise while working at Esquire, he quit and cobbled together eight grand—just enough to start his own magazine from his kitchen table.

Playboy magazine, of course, went on to become more than a global business empire. It became a symbol for sexual freedom, indulgence and the ultimate pursuit of pleasure. Not surprisingly, Hefner received his fair share of criticism from those who accused him of exploiting women. He argued that he was empowering them, while providing a platform for feminist essays to be published. And many forget that he was also an early activist for civil rights and gay rights, not to mention a champion for women's reproductive rights and the decriminalization of marijuana. Here are ten deep thoughts from the man who knew how to enjoy life and be true to himself.