Michael Steinhardt

“In North America, the greatest threat to the Jewish people is not the external force of antisemitism, but the internal forces of apathy, inertia and ignorance of our own heritage.”

“If you see a wonderful archaic Greek marble object in a museum, it's not only that it's beautiful, but what comes to your mind is the fact that it's 2,600 or so years old, and it was done by a human being at that time who you have such a limited ability to grasp - and yet you have this enormous ability to grasp.”

“Art is a form of asset. Hedge-fund managers who have made money fast should diversify into other areas.”

“The Orthodox believe in Jewish literacy, and most of the rest of us couldn't care less. Rabbis and other creatures have a monopoly on Judaism. This is a turnoff in a world that is increasingly secular and that has turned away from religion. Jews are simply turning away from Judaism.”

“Speculative joy, the joy derived from being right and being rewarded, may well be similar to the rush felt by a winning gambler.”

“A little part of my life is built around ancient art.”

“Part of my attraction to ancient art is that there is an element of risk, of speculation.”

“I was happier when pursuing success than I was when savoring its fruits; the attraction, perhaps the addiction, was in the process, as much as in its end.”