“Many bought into the idea that America could go from a technology-base...” — Jeffrey R. Immelt Quote

“Many bought into the idea that America could go from a technology-based, export-oriented powerhouse to a services-led, consumption-based economy - and somehow still expect to prosper. That idea was flat wrong. Our economy tilted instead toward the quicker profits of financial services.”

“When I was a young guy, when I first started with G.E., Jack Welch sent us all to Japan because in those days Japan was gonna crush us. And we learned a lot about Japan when we were there. But over the subsequent 30 years, the Japanese companies all fell behind. And the reason why they fell behind is because they didn't globalize.”

“I could have gone to the gym for three hours a day and bought into all that, but I just wasn't interested.”

“I bought a lot of rubbish things that kids buy: skateboards and clothes and typical teenage stuff.”

“I started collecting couture when I was about 10 or 11 years old, and the very first piece I bought was a Balenciaga suit from 1962.”