I grew up in Hungary, lived through fascism and the Holocaust, and then had a foretaste of communism. I learned at an early age how important it is what kind of government prevails. I chose America as my home because I value freedom and democracy, civil liberties and an open society. When I had made more money than I needed for myself and my family, I set up a foundation to promote the values and principles of a free and open society.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Having experienced oppressive regimes, the author values democracy and uses wealth to support open societies.
- In plain terms
- After living under bad governments, he chose freedom and gives money to protect it.
- What can you take from it?
- Use personal success to defend the values you cherish.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What values would you protect with your resources?
- How does your background shape your political views?
Another view
Philanthropy cannot replace systemic political change.
More from George Soros
We face a vicious circle of escalating violence. President Bush ran on the platform of a 'humble' foreign policy in 2000. If we re-elect him now, we endorse th…
Permalink to quote #45 A full and fair discussion is essential to democracy.
Permalink to quote #47 This is the most important election of my lifetime. I have never been heavily involved in partisan politics but these are not normal times. President Bush is e…
Permalink to quote #44
Related quotes
Once a man has tasted freedom he will never be content to be a slave. That is why I believe that this frightfulness we see everywhere today is only temporary. …
Walt DisneyWalt Disney quote #1 You can choose whatever name you like for the two types of government. I personally call the type of government which can be removed without ?violence 'democra…
Karl PopperKarl Popper quote #1 There are some who lack confidence in the integrity and capacity of the people to govern themselves. To all who entertain such fears I will most respectfully s…
Andrew JohnsonAndrew Johnson quote #2