I’ve had every advantage in the world, despite the 18 years of silence which were nobody’s fault but mine.

Meaning of the quote

Gordon Getty says he has been very fortunate in life, even though he was silent for 18 years, which was his own fault, not anyone else's. He acknowledges that he has had many opportunities and advantages that others may not have had.

About Gordon Getty

Gordon Getty is an American businessman and classical music composer, who inherited his father’s $2 billion trust when he passed away in 1976. As of 2020, he has a net worth of $2.1 billion, making him the 391st wealthiest person in the United States.

More about the author

More quotes from Gordon Getty

Either your understanding of the meaning of music is there from the beginning or it is not.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

Both parents were very encouraging – especially my father. My father thought the sun rose and set with me. Neither one had a musical background or any musical talent. They liked classical music, but neither could carry a tune.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I want to make the world better.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I’ve managed to dodge the curse. Not all my family have. Of course, music helped me – music is all about civilization, about something worthwhile. It’s all about ideas.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

The Getty family has been fully supportive throughout this situation, and for that, I am very grateful.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

When my opera Plump Jack was performed in 1989, my first piano teacher sent me something that I’d composed when I was four. I remember I played it, and it still sounded like me. I’m the same composer I was then.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

If you have more money than you need, you have to give it away. It’s a duty. I get to choose whom to sponsor, and I like to give to the areas that I know something about.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

It’s true that I tend to daydream. I’m the same person in business as I am in music: I can be distracted and absentminded. It’s my style.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I feel that I belong to the 19th century. Some composers’ music is very topical. It almost says, ‘This is about what I read in newspapers yesterday.’ Not mine.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I’ve had every advantage in the world, despite the 18 years of silence which were nobody’s fault but mine.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

Nicolette, Kendalle, and Alexandra are my children. Their mother, Cynthia Beck, and I, love them very much.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I don’t think events in your life affect your music.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I’m a terrible singer, but it helps when I have to call a taxi.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I was in Paris at an English-language bookstore. I picked up a volume of Dickinson’s poetry. I came back to my hotel, read 2,000 of her poems and immediately began composing in my head. I wrote down the melodies even before I got to a piano.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I just have to take my chances like any other composer.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

There is no change – I’m as deep or as shallow as I ever was. What’s new is on-the-job experience. This is what you gain with years.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

My music is all about an idealistic human personality. I have 19th-century ideals.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

My father was so much more than an accomplished businessman.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I see only adaptations – not revolutions.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I do not think that music keeps evolving. It evolved through Bach; since then, in my humble opinion, all the innovations added nothing.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer

I personally do not write highbrow music. If I do, it’s by accident.

Gordon Getty

American businessman, investor, philanthropist and classical music composer