Arthur D. Levinson Quotes

Powerful Arthur D. Levinson for Daily Growth

About Arthur D. Levinson

Arthur D. Levinson is a renowned American business executive, engineer, and philanthropist, notable not only for his significant contributions to technology but also for his literary endeavors as an author. Born on October 16, 1950, in New York City, Levinson was raised in Long Island by his Jewish immigrant parents, who emphasized the values of hard work and education. Levinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1972 and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1974. His early career began at Hewlett-Packard, where he held various roles, including Vice President of Research and Development. In 1987, Levinson joined Apple Inc., serving as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the development and launch of groundbreaking products such as the Macintosh and iMac computers. In 1997, Levinson became CEO of Genentech, a position he held until 2009. Under his leadership, Genentech revolutionized biotechnology with drugs like Herceptin and Rituxan. Levinson has authored several books, including "The Villages: A Novel" in 1983, which was published under the pseudonym A. David Levine to ensure an unbiased review of his work. His second book, "Remaking Eden: How Genetic Engineering and Cloning Will Change the Way We Live - Forever," published in 2007, explores the ethical implications of biotechnology. Today, Levinson serves as Chairman of Apple Inc., Alphabet Inc.'s Google subsidiary, and Colorado-based pharmaceutical company, Calico. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University. Throughout his career, Arthur D. Levinson has been instrumental in shaping the tech and biotech industries while continuing to make literary contributions that provoke thought and discussion on technology's impact on society.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

This quote by Arthur D. Levinson emphasizes that innovation sets apart leaders from followers. A leader is one who introduces new methods, ideas, or products, thereby driving progress and change in their domain. On the other hand, a follower simply adopts what has already been developed by others. Therefore, the ability to innovate is crucial for standing out, taking charge, and making a lasting impact.


"The best way to predict the future is to invent it."

This quote, from Arthur D. Levinson, suggests that rather than trying to forecast or predict what the future will bring, it's more productive to actively shape or create that future through innovation and invention. In essence, instead of passively awaiting the future, we should proactively design and build it according to our goals, needs, and aspirations. This mindset encourages forward-thinking, creativity, and a drive for progress in technology, society, and humanity as a whole.


"Leadership involves finding a parade and getting in front of it."

This quote suggests that successful leadership isn't just about defining new paths or creating change, but rather identifying existing trends (the "parade") that are likely to be significant, and positioning oneself at the forefront of those trends. It emphasizes the importance of staying attuned to the current landscape and being proactive in harnessing opportunities for growth and innovation.


"Success in business requires time, dedication, innovation and the vision to grow."

This quote by Arthur D. Levinson highlights the essential components that contribute to success in business. Time implies patience and persistence, while dedication underscores a commitment to the venture and the hard work required to achieve goals. Innovation represents the need for creative ideas or solutions to remain competitive and relevant. Lastly, vision to grow signifies having a forward-thinking mindset that enables an entrepreneur to expand their business and seize new opportunities. In essence, Levinson suggests that successful businesspeople not only possess these individual qualities but also effectively combine them in pursuit of long-term prosperity.


"Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard."

This quote by Arthur D. Levinson highlights the distinction between the conception (ideas) and realization (implementation) of creative thoughts or projects. It suggests that while generating ideas may seem straightforward, actually bringing those ideas to life often requires substantial effort, resources, and problem-solving skills. The implementation phase is where challenges such as overcoming obstacles, securing funding, and managing timelines arise, making it a critical yet demanding aspect of any project or idea's success.


Physics is a hobby of mine, as much as a person of limited intelligence can understand physics.

- Arthur D. Levinson

Person, Limited, Mine, Hobby

Apple is always focused on out-innovating itself... and that is something I am very proud to be a part of.

- Arthur D. Levinson

Always, Very, Itself, Apple

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.