David Geffen Quotes

Powerful David Geffen for Daily Growth

About David Geffen

David Geffen, a towering figure in the realms of entertainment, music, and philanthropy, was born on February 21, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised by Jewish immigrants, he developed an early interest in show business, often attending Broadway shows with his mother. His life took a transformative turn when he enrolled at UCLA, where he co-founded LAUSM Records, a precursor to Asylum Records. In the late 1960s, Geffen teamed up with singer-songwriter Jack Nicholson and producer Gary Kaufman, forming the influential management company, Geffen-Nicholson-Kaufman (GNK). They managed the careers of artists like Joni Mitchell, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and The Eagles. In 1970, Geffen co-founded Asylum Records, where he signed artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Tom Waits, and The Eagles. His innovative approach to artist management revolutionized the industry. In 1989, he founded DreamWorks SKG, a media company that produced successful films like Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, and American Beauty. Geffen's influence extended beyond the music and film industries. He was a significant contributor to Democratic politics and the LGBTQ+ community. In 2010, he donated $100 million to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), his alma mater, to establish the David Geffen School of Medicine. Throughout his career, Geffen was noted for his unconventional and ambitious strategies. His impact on entertainment and popular culture is immeasurable, making him one of the most influential figures in American show business.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of life is honesty and hard work."

This quote by David Geffen emphasizes two key principles for a fulfilling life: honesty and hard work. Honesty here signifies integrity, truthfulness in actions and communications, and maintaining ethical standards. Hard work, on the other hand, implies dedication, perseverance, and commitment to one's goals, regardless of the challenges encountered along the way. When these principles are applied consistently, they can lead to a satisfying life, as well as contribute positively to personal development and success in various aspects of life.


"I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man."

David Geffen's quote, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man," suggests that he sees himself as an all-encompassing enterprise rather than just an individual in the business world. He is asserting his significant impact and influence on the industry, likening himself to a large corporation rather than a single employee. This perspective underscores his strategic vision, dynamic approach, and unparalleled success in entertainment and business.


"I always try to surround myself with the best people at what they do."

This quote emphasizes the importance of having competent individuals within one's circle, particularly in areas where expertise is crucial. By surrounding oneself with the "best" people, David Geffen underscores the significance of collaboration, learning, and achieving excellence through associating with those who possess exceptional skills and knowledge in their respective fields.


"Success is about who you know, but it's also about who knows you."

David Geffen's quote highlights that success isn't solely determined by individual abilities or skills; rather, it's a blend of personal capabilities and one's network connections. Essentially, he suggests that having the right relationships (who you know) significantly influences your opportunities and achievements (success). However, it also emphasizes that for these relationships to be beneficial, the people in your network should be aware of your talents, skills, and aspirations (who knows you). In essence, his quote encapsulates the idea that networking is crucial, but making sure others recognize your value within that network is equally important.


"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

This quote emphasizes the idea that procrastination can hinder us from achieving meaningful goals, especially those requiring long-term planning or growth. The phrase "20 years ago" symbolizes missed opportunities in the past, while "now" encourages action to make positive changes in the present. In essence, it encourages starting today, no matter how late, as it's always better than never acting at all.


HIV infection and AIDS is growing - but so too is public apathy. We have already lost too many friends and colleagues.

- David Geffen

Apathy, Infection, Many, HIV

It's the perfect definition of a settlement. Both parties didn't get what they wanted.

- David Geffen

Perfect, Get, Wanted, Both Parties

I never went to business school. I was just bumbling through a lot of my life. I was like the guy behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz.

- David Geffen

My Life, Behind, Through, Wizard Of Oz

Steven Spielberg and I have tremendous amounts of money.

- David Geffen

Money, Spielberg, Steven

I intend to be me. Whatever that is.

- David Geffen

Me, Whatever, Intend

In Hollywood people lie to each other and cheat each other and then go and play tennis. But I don't want to be a tennis player.

- David Geffen

Play, Hollywood, Other, Hollywood People

Move to California. Malibu is paradise.

- David Geffen

Paradise, California, Move, Malibu

I just needed a job. Before being hired as an usher at the CBS Theatre, I didn't even know there was a show business!

- David Geffen

Business, Needed, Before, Usher

The opportunity for an entrepreneur to start a company from scratch today is abysmal.

- David Geffen

Today, Opportunity, Start, Entrepreneur

I would say that Bob Dylan is as interested in money as any person I've known in my life. That's just the truth.

- David Geffen

My Life, Say, Any, None

Happy is harder than money. Anybody who thinks money will make you happy hasn't got money.

- David Geffen

Money, Will, Anybody, Harder

I thought I'd be a success even back in the mailroom at William Morris.

- David Geffen

Thought, Even, William, Morris

I'm Billy the Kid, the fastest draw. It's not arrogance. It's the truth.

- David Geffen

Truth, Arrogance, Billy, Fastest

Broke is a Hollywood term!

- David Geffen

Hollywood, Broke, Term

To be able to live and work in the United States is a privilege.

- David Geffen

Work, United, United States, Privilege

I believe we're all in denial about the people we love.

- David Geffen

Love, Believe, About, Denial

You have an idea of the way you think it is, and it's not that way at all, it's something else.

- David Geffen

Think, Idea, Else, Something Else

It's very easy for me to thank everyone for the incredible contribution they've made to my life.

- David Geffen

My Life, Everyone, Very, Thank

Anybody who thinks money will make you happy, hasn't got money.

- David Geffen

Happy, Will, Anybody, Money

I am truly my mother's son.

- David Geffen

Mother, Son, I Am, Mom

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