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Quote by David Geffen

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David Geffen
David Geffen

David Geffen, born February 21, 1943, is an American entertainment mogul, producer, and philanthropist. He founded Geffen Records, launching the careers of artists such as U2 and Guns N’ Roses, and later co‑founded DreamWorks SKG with Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg, producing acclaimed films like "Saving Private Ryan" and "The Departed." Known for his bold investments, innovative business models, and generous support for artists, Geffen has become a pivotal figure in modern music and film. Beyond business, he is a major philanthropist, donating billions to education, health, and the arts, shaping cultural and charitable landscapes worldwide. more

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“When an instrument admits two constructions, the one safe, the other dangerous, the one precise, the other indefinite, I prefer that which is safe and precise.”

“I deem no government safe which is under the vassalage of any self-constituted authorities, or any other authority than that of the nation, or its regular functionaries.”

“Having always observed that public works are much less advantageously managed than the same are by private hands, I have thought it better for the public to go to market for whatever it wants which is to be found there; for there competition brings it down to the minimum value.”

“From the circumstances of my position, I was often thrown into the society of horse-racers, card-players, fox-hunters, scientific and professional men, and of dignified men; and many a time have I asked myself, in the enthusiastic moment of the death of a fox, the victory of a favorite horse, the issue of a question eloquently argued at the bar, or in the great council of the nation, well, which of these kinds of reputation should I prefer? That of a horse-jockey, a fox-hunter, an orator, or the honest advocate of my country's rights?”

“In truth, politeness is artificial good humor, it covers the natural want of it, and ends by rendering habitual a substitute nearly equivalent to the real virtue. It is the practice of sacrificing to those whom we meet in society, all the little inconveniences and preferences which will gratify them, and deprive us of nothing worth a moment's consideration; it is the giving a pleasing and flattering turn to our expressions, which will conciliate others, and make them pleased with us as well as themselves. How cheap a price for the good will of another!”