Phineas Taylor Barnum. A 19th Century American entrepreneur, and perhaps the patron saint of modern capitalism. His circus - now known as Barnum & Bailey's - was the apotheosis/blueprint of the tasteful, compelling freak show that puts asses in the seats. Plus they had animal acts. It really was "The Greatest Show on Earth". He never said "There's a sucker born every minute", but he did say "Every crowd has a silver lining". Ka-ching! Tom Parker was listening.