David Rockefeller

A museum has to renew its collection to be alive, but that does not mean we give on important old works.

The Christian ethic played an essential part in my upbringing.

I do not like to be unkind.

By a museum, I assume you mean an institution dedicated to the events of Sept. 11 and the aftermath. If that is done with sensitivity, I think it would be most appropriate.

I can only say that I have had a wonderful life.

I hope the Guggenheim plan will be revived.

My grandfather, along with Carnegie, was a pioneer in philanthropy, which my father then practiced on a very large scale.

If necessity is the mother of invention, discontent is the father of progress.

The only wealth I have to give is not material and if you need much more than that, I’m not available.

Abramovich’s got six yachts which are just gigantic and you think, ‘What a waste of money. He could transform so many people’s lives if he put that money to good use.

We were afraid of attempts of kidnapping.

very day I get up and look through the Forbes list of the richest people in America. If I’m not there, I go to work.

When I see something I like, I buy it, but I do not look for it madly.

I always knew I was going to be rich. I don’t think I ever doubted it for a minute.

Of great wealth there is no real use, except in its distribution, the rest is just conceit.

Philanthropy is involved with basic innovations that transform society, not simply maintaining the status quo or filling basic social needs that were formerly the province of the public sector.

Be not penny-wise. Riches have wings. Sometimes they fly away of themselves, and sometimes they must be set flying to bring in more.

The Japanese banks are not having an easy time as they once had.

Someday I want to be rich. Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That’s how rich I want to be.

We went to theatres and museums with a crowd of bodyguards.

I am the wealthiest man, not just in Europe, but in the whole world. I collect emotions. I am wealthy in that the people of Russia have twice entrusted me with the leadership of a great nation such as Russia – I believe that is my greatest wealth.