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.
Interpretation
True wealth is not just about money; it’s about how one perceives themselves and their achievements.
In this quote, Stephen A. Schwarzman expresses the idea that regardless of his financial status or the perception of others, he still feels the same as he did during his early career. It highlights the notion that success does not solely equate to wealth, but rather to a continual journey and the mindset one maintains throughout their life.
In practice
Using this quote in a motivational speech about maintaining humility despite success.
I have a saying: There are no brave old people in finance. Because if you're brave, you mostly get destroyed in your 30s and 40s. If you make it to your 50s and 60s and you're still prospering, you have a very good sense of how to avoid problems and when to be conservative or aggressive with your investments.
Ironically, when a bunch of very smart people are sitting around a table for hours trying to figure out whether they should do something, that tends to not necessarily lead to the best results.
Sometimes, success in life is knowing one's limitations.
The biggest mistake I've seen people make with their careers is, when they're good, after two or three years - and they happen to be smart - they announce that they're going out to start their own firm.
Never be afraid to ask for too much when selling or offer too little when buying.
The triumph of anything is a matter of organization.
There is no pressure at the top. The pressure is being second or third.
Touchdowns to me means that you're scoring points and helping your team win games. You can have a lot of yards and not have points and not win games. So, this only means something because it has helped our teams win games and we won the division today in a competitive AFC West, that's a good thing.
I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field.
I was never coached; I was never told how to hold a bat.
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