Gordon Gekko is one of the most recognizable characters in American business, having been immortalized by Michael Douglas’ portrayal in the 1987 classic Wall Street. His famous quote, “Greed is good,” has become part of the lexicon, and his influence on the world of business has endured for decades. In this article, we will explore the timelessness of the character of Gordon Gekko and examine why he has remained an iconic figure in the business world.
Who is Gordon Gekko?
Gordon Gekko is a character from the 1987 film Wall Street, played by the actor Michael Douglas. He is a ruthless corporate raider and financial guru whose iconic line “Greed is good” has become synonymous with American capitalism. Gekko is a shrewd businessman who will do whatever it takes to get what he wants, whether it’s cornering a stock, taking over a company, or bribing someone. Although he was originally presented as a villain in the movie, he has since come to represent the ultimate Wall Street success story.
The character of Gordon Gekko was inspired by several real-life individuals. These include Ivan Boesky, a Wall Street insider trader who was convicted of securities fraud, and Martin Siegel, a corporate raider who made millions in hostile takeovers during the 1980s. The screenwriter for Wall Street, Stanley Weiser, also drew inspiration from other financiers such as Saul Steinberg, Carl Icahn, and Michael Milken.
Despite being almost 35 years old, the character of Gordon Gekko continues to have an impact on popular culture. His status as an icon of Wall Street success and ambition continues to inspire people around the world. From young entrepreneurs to experienced investors, Gekko is seen as a symbol of what can be achieved if you take risks and follow your dreams.
What Are Some of His Most Famous Quotes?
One of the most iconic quotes from Gordon Gekko is, “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good.” This quote from the 1987 movie Wall Street has become a popular phrase to describe the culture of greed that exists in the world of business.
Another famous quote from Gekko is, “If you want a friend, get a dog.” This quote demonstrates the ruthlessness and calculating nature of Gekko’s character, as he emphasizes the importance of looking out for number one.
Gekko also famously said, “Money never sleeps.” This quote suggests that in the world of business, success is only achievable with relentless ambition and a willingness to take risks.
One of the most memorable lines uttered by Gekko is, “Lunch is for wimps.” The line has become a meme, and a catchphrase used to emphasize the notion that success in business requires hard work and dedication.
The last famous quote from Gekko is, “The point is, ladies and gentlemen, that greed – for lack of a better word – is good. Greed is right. Greed works.” This quote encapsulates the character’s philosophy of selfishness and self-advancement in the pursuit of wealth.
What Did He Do in the Movie?
Gordon Gekko, played by Michael Douglas in the 1987 hit movie Wall Street, is a classic character in American business. As a corporate raider, Gekko relentlessly seeks to increase his own wealth through ruthless means, often at the expense of other investors and corporations. In the movie, Gekko initially appears as an ominous figure but ultimately helps young stockbroker Bud Fox, played by Charlie Sheen, to achieve success in the stock market.
Throughout the film, Gekko uses a variety of tactics to make money. He takes advantage of insider information, manipulates stock prices, and applies his own unique brand of intimidation and threats to get what he wants. He also uses Fox to help him acquire BlueStar Airlines and is able to squeeze out the shareholders while making a huge profit. However, Gekko’s greed ultimately leads to his downfall when Fox turns on him in order to save his own career.
The character of Gordon Gekko has been embraced by popular culture, with his memorable one-liners often quoted and his slick persona emulated by aspiring business people. His methods may be considered extreme, but there is no denying the impact that he has had on business practices in the United States.
How the Character of Gordon Gekko Has Been Interpreted Over the Years
As the years have passed, Gekko’s character has been seen in a different light. He is no longer viewed as a villainous figure but more as a cautionary tale of what can happen when power is misused. His infamous quote, “Greed is good,” has come to be seen as a call to ethics and responsibility rather than a celebration of selfishness. He has also been interpreted as a symbol of the need for balance between ambition and morality.
Furthermore, Gekko has become a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who understand that wealth can be attained through hard work and ethical decisions. He has been viewed as a representation of determination and perseverance, which have become defining features of his character.
In many ways, Gekko is an enduring symbol of American business, and his story continues to be told and interpreted in countless different ways. He is an example of what can happen when ambition takes precedence over morals and reminds us that we should never forget the importance of doing the right thing.
Conclusion
Gordon Gekko is a timeless character in American business, and his famous quotes have been popularly quoted since his debut in the 1987 film Wall Street. He taught us that success in business requires taking risks and being driven to acquire wealth, power, and fame.
His rise and fall in the film was a reminder that you can reach great heights with ambition, but also a reminder of how quickly these same ambitions can lead to ruin. Gekko’s philosophy of greed and selfishness may be an outdated one, but the lessons he taught us about the business will never go out of style.
