James Simon (1851-1932), born in Berlin, grows up in affluent circumstances. By around 1900, his family, through the successful cotton wholesale business Gebrüder Simon, is among the wealthiest in Germany. With the resources at his disposal, Simon engages in numerous fields, particularly where there are state or social injustices. He does not limit himself to merely donating money; he is always personally and voluntarily involved. Social and educational engagement for disadvantaged groups is especially important to him, and he invests the majority of his time and funds in these areas. However, Simon becomes famous as a collector, an outstanding patron of the Berlin museums, and a supporter of many scientific projects.