Time is the most valuable thing you have - and I'm not just talking about the minutes for which you're paid.
Eli BroadRead
If you ask why I do what I do - I want to make a difference. I don't just want to maintain the status quo. I want to help people, to work with institutions or create ones when they don't exist.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact rather than simply conforming to existing norms.
Eli Broad's quote reflects a deep commitment to instigating change and actively contributing to society. He expresses a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world by not just accepting the status quo but by seeking opportunities to help others and create new institutions when necessary. This highlights the role of initiative and purpose in leadership and personal motivation.
In practice
In a speech about social responsibility, I would quote this to inspire others to take action.
Time is the most valuable thing you have - and I'm not just talking about the minutes for which you're paid.
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.
Who you spend your life with-much more so than how you choose to spend it-is the most important decision you can make. Do it right. That's the best advice I can give you.
Public education is the key civil rights issue of the 21st century. Our nation's knowledge-based economy demands that we provide young people from all backgrounds and circumstances with the education and skills necessary to become knowledge workers. If we don't, we run the risk of creating an even larger gap between the middle class and the poor. This gap threatens our democracy, our society and the economic future of America.
Los Angeles is such a great meritocracy. Where can someone with my background - don't have the right family background, the right religion, the right provenance or whatever you want to call it - I come here and I'm accepted. The city's been good to me. And I want to give back.
Contemporary art challenges us.. it broadens our horizons. It asks us to think beyond the limits of conventional wisdom.
You have to go up there and jump high and clear whatever the bar may be. It's a competition within myself. That's how it was even before I was the best in the world, because that's the approach to every competition.
Adversity often produces an unexpected opportunity. Look for it ! Appreciate and utilize it! This is difficult to do if you're feeling sorry for yourself because you're faced with adversity.
I have a confidence about my life that comes from standing tall on my own two feet.
It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.
This is a world of action, and not moping and droning in.
Go forward with joyful confidence.
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