Top 35 Quotes & Sayings by Chuck Feeney

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an American businessman Chuck Feeney.

Last updated on September 18, 2024.

Charles Francis Feeney is an Irish-American businessman and philanthropist who made his fortune as a co-founder of the Hong Kong based Duty Free Shoppers Group. He is the founder of The Atlantic Philanthropies, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the world. Feeney gave away his fortune in secret for many years, until a business dispute resulted in his identity being revealed in 1997. Feeney has given away more than $8 billion.

American - Businessman | Born: April 23, 1931

Source: Wikipedia

I watched a little girl cover her face up and leave her hands in front of her mouth. I saw that girl after surgery, and she was smiling... that's a great source of satisfaction.

Chuck Feeney

People who have money have an obligation. I wouldn't say I'm entitled to tell them what to do with it but to use it wisely.

Chuck Feeney

I want the last cheque I write to bounce.

Chuck Feeney

I happen to enjoy grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches.

Chuck Feeney

I became convinced that there was greater satisfaction from giving my money away and seeing something come out of the ground, like a hospital or a university.

Chuck Feeney

They decided as part of my 75th birthday celebrations that I would be entitled to fly first class. I'll be honest, I'm not good at flying anymore. To my credit, I can stretch out on two coach seats.

Chuck Feeney

I believe that people of substantial wealth potentially create problems for future generations unless they themselves accept responsibility to use their wealth during their lifetime to help worthwhile causes.

Chuck Feeney

I cannot think of a more personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is living.

Chuck Feeney

I was raised as a Catholic, but I got up to go to church because I thought I'd be hit by a bolt of lightning if I didn't.

Chuck Feeney

I was with a special services unit in the Korean war, and when I got out, the biggest thing I got was a GI scholarship.

Chuck Feeney

I'm a shabby dresser.

Chuck Feeney

When you are 81 years old, you don't really need a lot of the trappings of wealth.

Chuck Feeney

Most large companies structure their affairs so that they minimize their tax payments. As long as you do it within the law, it's OK.

Chuck Feeney

I suppose in the back of my mind I was always one of those guys who had a disdain for money. It had a value if you wanted to buy something, but if you didn't want to buy something, you didn't need it.

Chuck Feeney

I always tried to live my life as though nothing changed. People would say, 'You can have a Rolls-Royce'. I'd say to that, 'What do I want with a Rolls-Royce when I can have a Volkswagen or a bike?' Some people get carried away with the juice.

Chuck Feeney

I had one idea that never changed in my mind - that you should use your wealth to help people.

Chuck Feeney

It is logical for a U.S. person to give their money away while they are alive, as the government will take it from you when you die in taxes.

Chuck Feeney

I believe strongly in 'giving while living.' I see little reason to delay giving when so much good can be achieved through supporting worthwhile causes today. Besides, it's a lot more fun to give while you live than to give while you are dead.

Chuck Feeney

A lot of wealthy people, they don't realize they have the alternatives of spending the money for good.

Chuck Feeney

When you've got the money, you spend it. When you've spent it all, let someone else get going and spend theirs.

Chuck Feeney

I don't dislike money, but there's only so much money you can use.

Chuck Feeney

I'd be the last guy to tell a wealthy person what to do with their money. They're entitled to do whatever they want.

Chuck Feeney

How to become a millionaire? Become a billionaire first.

Chuck Feeney

People used to ask me how I got my jollies, and I guess I'm happy when what I'm doing is helping people and unhappy when what I'm doing isn't helping people.

Chuck Feeney

It's the intelligent thing to be frugal.

Chuck Feeney

I'm a competitive type of person, whether it's playing a game of basketball or playing business games.

Chuck Feeney

There are restaurants you can go in and pay $100 a person for a meal. I get as much satisfaction out of paying $25.

Chuck Feeney

I believe strongly in 'giving while living.' I see little reason to delay giving when so much good can be achieved through supporting worthwhile causes today.

Chuck Feeney

There is nothing wrong with a big bet, if a big bet is a good bet.

Chuck Feeney

I cannot think of a more personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is living.... Interventions have greater value and impact today than if they are delayed.

Chuck Feeney

There has to be a balance in life. A balance of business, family, and the opportunity to learn and teach.

Chuck Feeney

I cannot think of a more personally rewarding and appropriate use of wealth than to give while one is living - to personally devote oneself to meaningful efforts to improve the human condition. More importantly, today's needs are so great and varied that intelligent philanthropic support and positive interventions can have greater value and impact today than if they are delayed when the needs are greater.

Chuck Feeney

I’m happy when what I’m doing is helping people and unhappy when what I’m doing isn’t helping people.

Chuck Feeney

On why he has donated $600 million to selected charities. I simply decided I had enough money.

Chuck Feeney

I set out to work hard, not to get rich.

Chuck Feeney