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Felix Rohatyn Quotes

Powerful Felix Rohatyn for Daily Growth

About Felix Rohatyn

Felix Rohatyn (born May 18, 1934) is an American banker, urban developer, and diplomat who has made significant contributions in finance, politics, and urban revitalization. Born to a Jewish family in Paris, France, Rohatyn emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1939 to escape the Nazi occupation. Rohatyn attended Columbia University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956 and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1958. After serving as a captain in the U.S. Army, Rohatyn began his career at Lehman Brothers as a broker, eventually rising to become one of the firm's youngest partners by 1964. In 1970, Rohatyn joined Lazard Frères & Co., where he played a crucial role in rescuing New York City from bankruptcy during its fiscal crisis in the 1970s. His efforts helped save several major institutions, including the World Trade Center and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For his service, Rohatyn was nicknamed "The Great Salvager" by New York magazine. Rohatyn's contributions to urban development extended beyond New York City. In 1982, he was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to France by President Ronald Reagan, a role he held until 1986. He later served as the Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 1985 to 1993, where he oversaw numerous infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site post-9/11. Throughout his career, Rohatyn has been recognized for his work with numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016). His insights and experiences are documented in several books, such as "The New York: From Chrysler to Control" (1978) and "Saving the Big City: The Triumph of Pragmatic Planning" (1994). Felix Rohatyn continues to be a respected figure in finance, urban planning, and diplomacy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up."

This quote by Felix Rohatyn emphasizes resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It suggests that setbacks, failures, or being "knocked down" are inevitable in life, but true strength lies not in avoiding these difficulties, but rather in getting back up after they occur. The quote encourages perseverance and tenacity, reminding us that it is through overcoming challenges that we grow, learn, and ultimately succeed.

"The essence of investment management is the management of risks, not the management of returns."

This quote by Felix Rohatyn emphasizes that the core purpose of investment management lies not in achieving high returns, but rather in skillfully managing the associated risks to ensure the safety and longevity of investments. It underscores the importance of risk assessment and mitigation strategies when it comes to making sound investment decisions. A successful investor is one who can balance the quest for returns with a keen eye on potential dangers, ensuring a stable and sustained performance over time.

"A successful city has to be a place where people want to live, not just work."

This quote highlights that for a city to thrive, it's essential for its inhabitants to have a strong affinity towards living there, not merely working within its boundaries. The implication is that when people enjoy the lifestyle, amenities, and community aspects of their urban environment, they are more likely to contribute positively to the city's growth, culture, and overall success. In essence, a successful city should offer a high quality of life, fostering human connection and satisfaction beyond the workplace.

"Investment funds are not for the faint-hearted."

This quote by Felix Rohatyn emphasizes that investment, particularly in funds, requires a certain level of courage and resilience. It underscores the inherent risks involved in investing, suggesting that those who lack the emotional fortitude or the ability to withstand potential losses may find the world of investments challenging. In other words, investment is not for passive observers or timid participants; it demands active engagement, strategic thinking, and a willingness to take calculated risks.

"Urban renewal should be about creating neighborhoods that can survive and thrive without subsidies."

This quote by Felix Rohatyn suggests a vision for urban development where neighborhoods are self-sustaining, resilient, and independent of continuous subsidies. The goal is to create vibrant communities that can maintain their economic stability and social fabric over time without external aid. It implies the pursuit of sustainable and equitable urban renewal strategies that foster local economies, encourage community engagement, and ultimately, promote long-term growth and prosperity.

At its core, banking is not simply about profit, but about personal relationships.

- Felix Rohatyn

Relationships, Core, About, Banking

The early years of my life were very, very traumatic. It was scary, because any child knew that death was sort of lurking around Europe as far as Jews were concerned.

- Felix Rohatyn

My Life, Lurking, Very, Traumatic

Throughout U.S. history, competent public investments have been an essential complement to private investments - from the Louisiana Purchase, to land-grant colleges, to the Interstate Highway System, to the Internet.

- Felix Rohatyn

Been, Private, Purchase, Complement

I am a capitalist and I believe in making a profit.

- Felix Rohatyn

I Am, Making, Capitalist, Profit

In the 1970s, New York City avoided bankruptcy because wise political leaders like Gov. Hugh L. Carey believed both in strong labor unions and robust banks and companies.

- Felix Rohatyn

Strong, Political Leaders, 1970s

The whole market mechanism and its evolution is something that, I'm kind of of the Buffett School. You know, if I see a derivative, I run the other way.

- Felix Rohatyn

Kind, Other, I See, Mechanism

Investment banking is not a business; it is a personal service where bankers work hand in hand with their clients. And it is a service that must not simply be about making bigger and bigger deals that reap rewards for only a small group of executives.

- Felix Rohatyn

Small, Making, Bankers, Rewards

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