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

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.

Contemporary art challenges us.. it broadens our horizons. It asks us to think beyond the limits of conventional wisdom.

To me, money is a means to do good. I reached a point in my life where I had enjoyed tremendous business success that afforded my family everything we could possibly want. My wife and I then decided that we could use our wealth to make a difference. So we created the Broad Foundations to do four things: to improve urban public education, to support innovative scientific and medical research, to foster art appreciation for audiences worldwide and to support civic initiatives in Los Angeles.

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.

If someone can't give me a good reason why you can't do something, I find a way to do it.

Anything I do, I spend a lot of time. I do it with passion and intensity. I want to be in charge.