“We are the only species who have taken control of their evolution. We are animals who – one day – had an idea to become better. Billions of us have worked to make ourselves better – that's why we created the concept of God, an entity that is everywhere, that is powerful, that is the master of everything, that gives us a unique model for our society. Now we know God doesn't exist, and so we know we are better than that notion of God.”— Philippe Starck
The quote archive
A growing archive of 3,000+ moments, drawn from every interview.
You may become rich, engage in philanthropy and help a million people but the only way you can help a billion people is by building a profitable business. Making money has almost become a taboo! People say, 'oh my god! You're making money?' and I say, 'you know what? I'm so proud that my business makes money… it's the only way I can scale and make a huge impact…'
— Naveen JainEntrepreneur & Founder of Moon Express, Infosys Technologies Co-Founder
Most people think of entrepreneurs as someone who starts a company, but to me? Entrepreneurship is really about problem solving. People can (roughly) be divided into three categories. The first category are people who can tell you all the problems in the world! The second group of people are those who invent, innovate and find solutions to these problems. The third group, entrepreneurs, are those people who don't talk about the problem or solution but go out and solve it.
— Naveen JainEntrepreneur & Founder of Moon Express, Infosys Technologies Co-Founder
We had intended to build a media network but what we were really building was a people network. The same idea of reaching out, opening up and asking for help has been invaluable to me since- especially in the world of diplomacy.
— Matthew W. BarzunU.S. Ambassador to Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom
Too often I feel there is also a search for 'the next' Steve Jobs or Joanna Shields. These are extraordinary people and yet I believe we should not treat entrepreneurialism as requiring a narrow checklist of certain characteristics. The key both in the US and the UK is to have hand-raisers – people who want to take a chance, and get involved.
— Matthew W. BarzunU.S. Ambassador to Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom
One of the ideas you hear often is that in America there is a culture where not only is it ok to fail, but it's almost expected – like a badge of honor. This is true to a point but that implies a cut-throat culture that is more legend than reality and is actually bad for innovation.
— Matthew W. BarzunU.S. Ambassador to Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom
I was sitting on a train—the British invention that transformed trade and travel, and was embraced very early in the United States. In my hand was an iPhone – another revolutionary advance, this time created by Americans with its iconic appearance designed by an Englishman. There are countless examples like these.
— Matthew W. BarzunU.S. Ambassador to Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom
Well, do you remember those Venn Diagrams from school? Those overlapping circles to represent what two things do and don't have in common? The overlap of these two is incredibly fertile territory and this is exactly where businesses in the U.S. and UK see each other – places where they both need to do business and want to do business.
— Matthew W. BarzunU.S. Ambassador to Sweden, France, and the United Kingdom
I don't micro-manage, I give them enough rope to hang themselves. If I trust you, I'll let you find your way, because that could lead to something I hadn't thought of. Lastly, I don't work with anyone I don't like.
— Donna KaranRenowned Fashion Designer & Founder of DKNY Brand
A designer is a designer, whether you're designing a dress or a toothbrush. The integrity, skill and creativity are all the same.
— Anne KleinIconic Fashion Designer & Founder of Anne Klein Fashion Brand
A brand has to be authentic and be born of a personal passion. If you, its creator, doesn't want the product, no one else will. If you want it, chances are it will be wanted around the world. Desires are universal and speak in every language.
— Donna KaranRenowned Fashion Designer & Founder of DKNY Brand
The founder is the innovator, the one who sets the wheels in motion. Once it's up and running, the founder's job is to empower and inspire others with the message, to nurture and make believers out of everyone who comes close, internally and externally.
— Donna KaranRenowned Fashion Designer & Founder of DKNY Brand
I wasn't thinking about success or being 'big' or creating a huge business. I was thinking about answering a need, a void, creating something that wasn't there before.
— Donna KaranRenowned Fashion Designer & Founder of DKNY Brand
When I was 15, I rearranged the sales floor in the boutique I was working in and was the best salesperson in the store. At 25, when my boss Anne Klein died, I took over designing and changed the look of the collection to make it younger and sexier, and also changed how it was shown and sold in the showroom – not to mention just having had a baby while all this was happening.
— Donna KaranRenowned Fashion Designer & Founder of DKNY Brand
Stay undefined and stay curious. Our world is changing so rapidly that the only way to survive, thrive and adjust is to have a deep and constant level of curiosity.
— Troy CarterMusic executive and manager, founder of Meadows and Q&A platform
Entrepreneurship is a way of life. For me, entrepreneurship has always been about being a builder. Whether it's about undiscovered artists or working with companies pre-launch, the build process is what attracts me.
— Troy CarterMusic executive and manager, founder of Meadows and Q&A platform
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach for talent, you have to approach every individual and opportunity from a bespoke perspective.
— Troy CarterMusic executive and manager, founder of Meadows and Q&A platform