Biography
Warren Edward Buffett is an American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and one of the most successful investors in history.
Early Start
Warren bought his first stock at age 11 and filed his first tax return at age 13, claiming a $35 deduction for his bicycle. By age 15, he had earned $2,000 from newspaper routes and invested it.
Challenges Overcome
Warren was rejected by Harvard Business School. He instead attended Columbia, where he studied under Benjamin Graham, which shaped his investment philosophy. This "rejection" became a blessing.
Key Achievements
- Built Berkshire Hathaway into a $700+ billion company
- Consistently outperformed the market for 60+ years
- Pledged 99% of his wealth to charity
- Created "The Buffett Partnership" at age 25
- Known for his annual letters teaching investment wisdom
Why They Inspire Us
Warren started investing as a child and never stopped learning. His patience, discipline, and focus on long-term value over short-term gains offer timeless lessons.
"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago."