I don't feel like a wealthy person. Other people think of me as a wealthy person, but I don't. I feel the same as when I was a fifth-year associate trying to make partner at Lehman Brothers. I haven't changed.

If I get angry, it's obvious. I don't have to say much.

I'm concerned with China growing at double or triple the rate of the West, that there will be tensions. One needs to do something to start addressing misunderstandings and frustration.

It's wonderful to learn about new cultures and to be able to travel easily to so many countries.

My biggest job really is to figure other people out. I need to understand what makes a person tick.

Down cycles are not fun. But they form the basis for enormous future profitability

I love picking people. I started Blackstone, and we had no people, and now we have with our portfolio companies about 750,000 people all over the world. Everybody who is at a senior level has ultimately been picked by me.