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Warren Buffett, known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” is more than just one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet. He’s a symbol of disciplined investing, modest living, and long-term success. While the world knows Buffett for his smart stock picks and leadership at Berkshire Hathaway, there are many fascinating and lesser-known facts about him that reveal the values and habits behind his empire. This article uncovers 25 compelling facts about Warren Buffett that offer insight into how he thinks, works, and lives.
10 personal and early life facts about Warren Buffett that shaped the Oracle of Omaha
Warren Buffett’s rise to becoming one of the world’s richest men didn’t begin in Wall Street boardrooms—it started with childhood curiosity, a relentless work ethic, and a surprisingly simple lifestyle. His early years and personal choices laid the foundation for the disciplined investor he became. Here are 10 fascinating facts from Warren Buffett’s early and personal life that reveal what truly shaped him.
1. He was born during the Great Depression
Warren Edward Buffett was born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska—right in the heart of the Great Depression. His father, Howard Buffett, was a stockbroker and U.S. congressman. Growing up during economic hardship deeply influenced Warren’s views on money and security.
“My dad was my greatest inspiration. He was my hero when I was six, and he’s still my hero now.”
2. He showed business instincts at a young age
Buffett exhibited strong business instincts even as a child. At just six years old, he bought packs of Coca-Cola from his grandfather’s grocery store and sold them for a profit door to door. He was always finding ways to make money, even in elementary school.
3. He read every finance book at his local library by age 10
Buffett was an insatiable learner. By the time he was 10, he had read every book on investing in the Omaha Public Library, some multiple times. His early commitment to self-education made him a financial prodigy.
“The best investment you can make is in yourself. The more you learn, the more you earn.”
4. He bought his first stock at 11
In 1942, Warren Buffett made his first investment: three shares of Cities Service Preferred at $38 per share. The price fell to $27 before climbing to $40, and Buffett sold it, making a small profit. But he regretted it later when the stock soared to $200.
This taught him a vital lesson in patience—something that would define his investment style.
5. He filed his first tax return at 14
By the age of 14, Buffett was earning around $175 a month from his paper routes and filed his first tax return. He claimed a $35 deduction for his bicycle as a business expense. This marked his early grasp of financial systems and discipline.
6. He launched a pinball machine business at 17
Buffett and a friend bought a used pinball machine for $25 and placed it in a local barbershop. Within months, they owned several machines across the city. Buffett sold the business later for a profit—an early taste of entrepreneurship.
7. He was rejected by Harvard Business School
After completing his undergraduate degree, Buffett applied to Harvard Business School but was rejected. He later called it a blessing in disguise because it led him to study at Columbia Business School, where he met his mentor Benjamin Graham.
“Harvard said no. Columbia said yes. That changed everything.”
8. He was always a numbers guy
Buffett loved numbers. He memorized baseball statistics, did complex calculations in his head, and often amazed people with his mental math. Numbers were his language long before he entered finance.
9. He had a rocky relationship with his mother
Buffett’s mother, Leila, was emotionally abusive, often criticizing him and his siblings. This created deep insecurities in Buffett during his formative years. However, he rarely speaks publicly about this, choosing instead to focus on lessons learned.
10. He married his first love, Susan Thompson
In 1952, Warren married Susan Thompson, with whom he had three children. Though they separated later in life (but never divorced), she remained his closest companion until her death in 2004. Her influence in his personal life was profound and lasting.
“Susan made me a better person than I would have otherwise been.”
10 career-defining facts about Warren Buffett that showcase his investing genius
Warren Buffett’s career is a masterclass in patience, long-term vision, and value investing. His journey from a young stock enthusiast to the CEO of one of the most powerful holding companies in the world, Berkshire Hathaway, is filled with smart decisions, disciplined strategies, and transformative leadership. These 10 career-defining facts reveal how Buffett built a billion-dollar empire—and why his methods continue to influence global markets.
1. He started his first investment partnership at age 25
In 1956, Buffett formed Buffett Partnership Ltd. with just $105,000 pooled from friends and family. By 1962, it had grown to over $7 million, with Buffett owning more than $1 million of it himself.
“You don’t have to be smarter than the rest. You have to be more disciplined than the rest.”
2. He took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965
Buffett began buying shares of Berkshire Hathaway, then a struggling textile company, in the early 1960s. After a disagreement with its management, he acquired a controlling interest in 1965 and used it as the vehicle for all future investments. It was a turning point in his career.
3. He shifted Berkshire from textiles to a holding company
Realizing the textile business was declining, Buffett pivoted Berkshire Hathaway into a holding company. He acquired companies with consistent earnings and strong management—like GEICO, See’s Candies, and National Indemnity—transforming Berkshire into a diversified empire.
“When we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever.”
4. He made his biggest investment in Apple
Though known for avoiding tech stocks, Buffett’s largest investment to date is in Apple Inc., which Berkshire Hathaway began buying in 2016. As of 2024, the position is worth over $160 billion, and Buffett calls it “probably the best business I know in the world.”
5. He avoids short-term market speculation
Buffett’s strategy centers around value investing—buying quality companies at fair prices and holding them for the long term. He stays away from stock trading fads and market timing.
“Our favorite holding period is forever.”
6. He credits Benjamin Graham for his foundation
Buffett was deeply influenced by Benjamin Graham’s book The Intelligent Investor. Graham’s principle of buying stocks below their intrinsic value remains a core part of Buffett’s strategy.
“I’m 85% Graham and 15% Fisher.”
7. He refused to invest in things he doesn’t understand
Buffett has consistently stayed away from businesses he doesn’t understand—including tech for many years. This discipline is part of his famous “circle of competence” philosophy.
“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”
8. He writes legendary annual shareholder letters
Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letters are among the most read financial documents in the world. They’re known for their plain language, insight, humor, and timeless advice.
“You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.”
Watch highlights from Buffett’s letters on YouTube
9. He kept Charlie Munger as his right-hand man for decades
Buffett and Charlie Munger shared a rare business partnership based on mutual respect and complementary thinking. Munger introduced Buffett to the idea of buying “wonderful businesses at fair prices” instead of just “fair businesses at wonderful prices.”
“Charlie has taught me that the best thing a human being can do is to help another human being know more.”
10. He built Berkshire’s market cap to over $700 billion
Under Buffett’s leadership, Berkshire Hathaway’s market capitalization grew from a struggling textile firm to a $700+ billion conglomerate. This was achieved without major debt, excessive risk, or short-term games—just solid business principles and disciplined investing.
5 surprising facts about Warren Buffett’s life now that prove he’s still a legend in action
At 94, Warren Buffett is not just living—he’s still investing, inspiring, and reshaping the way we think about wealth. While many billionaires opt for lavish retirements or the spotlight, Buffett’s current life is a study in consistency, humility, and quiet power. Here are 5 present-day facts that capture who Warren Buffett is now—and what still drives the Oracle of Omaha.
1. He still lives in the same house he bought in 1958
Despite being worth over $120 billion, Warren Buffett still resides in the modest Omaha house he bought in 1958 for $31,500. The stucco house has no high-security gates or private helipad—just comfort, familiarity, and Buffett’s signature simplicity.
“I’m happy there. I’d move if I thought I’d be happier someplace else.”
Buffett has never seen a reason to upgrade his home. To him, real wealth is peace of mind, not flashy things. His decision to stick with this house reflects the same value-first approach he applies to investments.
2. He still goes to the office every day
Buffett may be well into his 90s, but he still drives himself to work daily at the Berkshire Hathaway headquarters in Omaha. He keeps a consistent schedule, reading company reports, staying on top of the markets, and writing letters to shareholders.
“I tap dance to work every morning.”
His discipline hasn’t faded with age. He continues to oversee operations, make investment decisions, and mentor top executives, proving that purpose—not profit—is his fuel.
3. He still eats McDonald’s and drinks Coca-Cola daily
Warren Buffett has never been one for health trends. His breakfast comes from McDonald’s (with exact change based on the market that morning), and he drinks five cans of Coca-Cola every day.
“I’m one-quarter Coca-Cola.”
This quirky consistency isn’t just habit—it’s branding. Berkshire Hathaway owns major shares in both McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, and Buffett’s public loyalty adds a unique personal marketing layer to his portfolio.
4. He’s donating 99% of his fortune to philanthropy
Buffett made headlines in 2006 when he pledged to give away 99% of his wealth, mostly through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Giving Pledge, which he co-founded with Bill Gates. As of 2024, he has donated over $50 billion—making him one of the most generous people in history.
“Were we to use more than 1% of my claim checks on ourselves, neither our happiness nor our well-being would be enhanced.”
His giving philosophy is rooted in responsibility. Buffett believes that extreme wealth should not accumulate for the sake of legacy or luxury but should be redistributed to improve global health, education, and opportunity.
5. He’s mentoring the next generation of leaders
Though Charlie Munger passed away in 2023, Buffett continues to mentor Berkshire’s future leaders, including Greg Abel, his designated successor. He’s grooming the next generation not just to run a company—but to run it with values.
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
He insists that the Berkshire culture—integrity, patience, and long-term thinking—must continue after his time. His presence today is more than operational—it’s philosophical.
Warren Buffett’s legacy is built on wisdom, patience, and purpose
Warren Buffett’s life is a timeless blueprint for success rooted in discipline, long-term thinking, and unwavering values. From selling soda bottles as a child to building a multi-billion-dollar investment empire, every chapter of his journey reflects consistency, simplicity, and strategic brilliance. Whether it’s living in the same modest home since 1958, investing in businesses he fully understands, or donating 99% of his wealth to global causes—Buffett proves that greatness doesn’t require glamour.
His career isn’t just about making money; it’s about making decisions that stand the test of time. His methods, philosophies, and quotes have shaped generations of investors and entrepreneurs who now look to him not just for financial guidance but for life advice.
Even in his 90s, Buffett remains active, influential, and fiercely committed to mentoring future leaders and giving back. His legacy isn’t just the billions he earned—but the billions of lives he’s impacted. For anyone striving to achieve long-term success without compromising their values, Warren Buffett is not just a role model—he’s the gold standard.
In a world of overnight riches and short-term hype, Buffett reminds us that real wealth lies in wisdom, purpose, and patience.