George Soros
Full Name and Common Aliases
George Soros, born György Schwartz, is a name that resonates across the globe, often associated with finance, philanthropy, and political activism. He is commonly referred to simply as Soros.
Birth and Death Dates
George Soros was born on August 12, 1930. As of the latest available information, he is still alive and continues to influence various spheres of public life.
Nationality and Profession(s)
George Soros is a Hungarian-American. He is renowned as a financier, philanthropist, and political activist. His career spans several decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the fields of finance and philanthropy.
Early Life and Background
George Soros was born in Budapest, Hungary, into a Jewish family. His early life was marked by the tumultuous events of World War II. To survive the Nazi occupation, his family changed their name from Schwartz to Soros, a move that helped them avoid persecution. After the war, Soros emigrated to England, where he attended the London School of Economics. It was here that he was influenced by the philosopher Karl Popper, whose ideas on open societies would later shape Soros's philanthropic endeavors.
Major Accomplishments
George Soros is perhaps best known for his success in the world of finance. He founded Soros Fund Management in 1970, which became one of the most successful hedge funds in history. Soros gained international fame in 1992 when he reportedly made a profit of $1 billion by short-selling the British pound, an event that earned him the moniker "The Man Who Broke the Bank of England."
Notable Works or Actions
Beyond his financial achievements, Soros is a prolific philanthropist. He established the Open Society Foundations in 1979, which has donated billions to support democracy, human rights, and education around the world. His commitment to promoting open societies and combating authoritarianism has made him a significant figure in global philanthropy. Soros has also authored several books, including "The Alchemy of Finance" and "The Crisis of Global Capitalism," where he shares his insights on economics and politics.
Impact and Legacy
George Soros's impact extends far beyond his financial success. Through his philanthropic efforts, he has supported numerous causes, from education reform to public health initiatives. His Open Society Foundations have played a crucial role in promoting democratic governance and human rights in over 120 countries. Soros's advocacy for transparency and accountability in governance has left a lasting legacy in the fight against corruption and authoritarianism.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
George Soros is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into finance, politics, and society. His ability to predict and capitalize on economic trends has made him a respected voice in financial circles. Moreover, his outspoken advocacy for open societies and his critique of authoritarian regimes have made him a prominent figure in political discourse. Soros's quotes often reflect his deep understanding of the complexities of global finance and his unwavering commitment to social justice. His life and work continue to inspire debates and discussions, making him a figure of enduring significance in both financial and philanthropic communities.
Quotes by George Soros
George Soros's insights on:
Markets are designed to allow individuals to look after their private needs and to pursue profit. It's really a great invention and I wouldn't under-estimate the value of that, but they're not designed to take care of social needs.
We are the most powerful nation on earth. No external power, no terrorist organization, can defeat us. But we can defeat ourselves by getting caught in a quagmire.
No individual anonymous participant can influence the prices and therefore you really can speculate in the market without paying attention to morality. That’s one of the positive features of markets. That’s why they function.
As a society we can’t live without moral considerations. We do have to protect the public good. And markets are not designed to do that, so we need a political process.
I give away something up to $500 million a year throughout the world promoting Open Society. My foundations support people in the country who care about an open society. It’s their work that I’m supporting. So it’s not me doing it.
Germans tend to forget now that the euro was largely a Franco-German creation. No country has benefited more from the euro than Germany, both politically and economically. Therefore what has happened as a result of the introduction of the euro is largely Germany’s its responsibility.
I don’t panic. The same thing applies to me as to everybody else, so I’m given to euphoria and despair. And I would say that I basically have survived by recognizing my mistakes.
I think it is natural that every country has to take care of its interests, but there are some interests that are common to all countries. There are some human interests, or we need also international cooperation. We’ve sometimes confused it with dictation.
The people currently in charge have forgotten the first principle of an open society, namely that we may be wrong and that there has to be free discussion. That it’s possible to be opposed to the policies without being unpatriotic.