Quotes from Eli Broad

I can't think of another enterprise other than being a homeowner that can't have its debt restructured in bankruptcy. Corporations can but a homeowner can't? Now with securitization the homeowner can't go to the owner of the loan and work things out.

People would rather have art or gold instead of paper money.

I never stay anywhere - parties, museums, meetings - longer than three hours.

If you have poor management that's not doing the right job, you end up with unions filling the void and... page after page of work rules and thicker and thicker contracts.

What artists think about the world is often different from how we businessmen see it, and I find that an enriching experience.

The first dream I had was just to get a college education. I got through college in three years, taking extra classes in summer school.

Charity is just writing checks and not being engaged. Philanthropy, to me, is being engaged, not only with your resources but getting people and yourself really involved and doing things that haven't been done before.

Philanthropy is activism.

I don't see myself as a great discoverer of artists, like Charles Saatchi.

People always say congratulations. When you're a successful bidder it means you're willing to spend more money than anyone else. I'm not sure if that's congratulations or condolences.

You can have great teachers, but if you don't have a good principal, you won't have a good school.

I have always believed that every great city in history needs a vibrant center.

A real collector does not sell.

I believe that a newspaper is a great civic asset and that ownership is best in the hands of foundations or wealthy families that want to own it for reasons other than maximizing profits. I also believe newspapers should remain in local hands.

I learned to embrace risk, as long as it was well thought out and, in a worst-case scenario, I'd still land on my feet.

School boards are, for the most part,made up of political wannabes who see a board seat as a stepping stone for political office, or well-meaning parents who represent an ethnic group or geography, or have some other narrow interests. Few people on them understand what governance is about.

Twombly, frankly, was an acquired taste. I was not in love with Twombly the first time I saw one of his paintings.

School district policies and practices have not kept pace with student and teacher needs.

The biggest barrier we've seen to student progress is this: School policies and practices often prevent good teachers from doing great work and even dissuade some talented Americans from entering the profession. This needs to change.

I believe in two things: One, Andrew Carnegie said, 'He who dies with wealth dies in shame.' And someone once said, 'He who gives while he lives also knows where it goes.'

I never play golf because it takes too long, and the business connections it produces can be made just as easily over an early breakfast.

It's hard to explain your emotions when you see a work of art.

Who you spend your life with-much more so than how you choose to spend it-is the most important decision you can make. Do it right. That's the best advice I can give you.

I don't like to spend time in endless meetings talking about stuff that isn't going to get anything done. I have meetings, but they're short, prompt and to the point.