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

The first dream I had was just to get a college education. I got through college in three years, taking extra classes in summer school.

I don't think it makes any sense for an individual to invest in common stocks unless they know the company, work at the company, and so on.

School boards are, for the most part ,made up of political wannabes who see a board seat as a stepping stone for political office, or well-meaning parents who represent an ethnic group or geography, or have some other narrow interests. Few people on them understand what governance is about.

I've never been one who enjoys maintaining the status quo. I'm always pushing for new ideas, whether it's in business or philanthropy.

I'd rather be respected than loved.

How absurd that our students tuck their cell phones, BlackBerrys, iPads, and iPods into their backpacks when they enter a classroom and pull out a tattered textbook.