David Geffen

If you really believe it – go for it.

This is between us! You know this is the best thing for the company.

I’m going to go down and take care of the bill. I’m not going to embarrass you, just let me do it. I had such a great time, I just want it to be my treat. [On returning after several minutes red faced] They won’t take my check, I don’t know what we’re going to do. [Robertson said ‘David, what we’ve spent here, we’re going to have to do a lot of dishes.’] I’m going to call Prince Rupert [Loewenstein] and ask him to call the hotel and tell them I’m good for it. Or maybe he can pay the bill and then I’ll pay him back or something. [Prince Rupert vouched for his credit and the hotel agreed to accept Geffen’s check.]

The concept known as bal tashchit – ‘Do no destroy’ – has a special significance in Jewish tradition…We are constantly being warned in our faith that the capricious, thoughtless, wasteful destruction of the elements and creatures of the earth is wrong…We should remind ourselves daily of our responsibility to all aspects of creation.

[On his early day in the music business] I stepped on a lot of toes… at that time.

My greatest fear is getting bored.

I think it’s the way you sparkle when you talk about the things you love.

If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.

The best stories don’t come from ‘good vs. bad’ but ‘good vs. good.’

Insanity in individuals is something rare – but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.

Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The savage’s whole existence is public, ruled by the laws of his tribe. Civilization is the process of setting man free from men.

The philosophy of life indicates that our principal business on this planet is the gaining of experience.

Who is wise? He who learns from all men.

There are two types of speakers, those that are nervous and those that are liars.

They’re different kinds of challenges depending upon what phase of life I’m in.

I was brought up to be a gentleman. That means you know how to walk, talk and dress the part.

Computer Science is no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes.

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.

Your feelings? To hell with your feelings!

Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

I am from the planet of elegance.