David Geffen

I didn’t really have any idea of what Hollywood was except that it was a place where the made movies.

[On being told that he should be an agent with him having no acting ‘gifts’. And saying that you need to know absolutely nothing to be an agent.] I thought that’s the job for me.

[In 1969] I think lyrics have always been important to any serious writer of music.

When I go to see Iron Man 3, I’m not as enthralled as I was when I saw The Bridge on the River Kwai.

[on Steve jobs] Our relationship was based almost always on him calling up and asking, ‘Is this a good deal?’ I’m not in his business, and I wasn’t trying to be. I was just a guy who admired him a lot and was flattered he wanted my advice.

[‘Why don’t you manage me’ – Laura Nyro] Eventually I thought do I really believe that she could be one of the biggest stars in the world? Should I give up my career at this point in my life, where I’m doing so well, and put all my marbles in Laura’s [Nyro] basket? And I woke up one morning and I thought if you really believe it – go for it.

When you make changes in your life, make sure you’re moving toward the things you want.

The secret of life is to validate your existence.

Drama and crisis are currency to them because they love the power to make people react. They thrive on a good fight, a good scandal, a good drama.

He who seeks revenge should remember to dig two graves

Times have not become more violent. They have just become more televised.

The third-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority. The second-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority. The first-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking.

Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence.

Writing is good, thinking is better. Cleverness is good, patience is better.

When angry, count to four; when very angry, swear.

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.

Enjoy what other people do and learn from them.

There is power in forgiveness.

Change isn’t a light switch; it’s slow and gradual.

If you genuinely want something, don’t wait for it — teach yourself to be impatient.

An intellectual is a person who has discovered something more interesting than sex.