Warren Buffett, nicknamed The Oracle of Omaha, was born on August 30, 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up, he worked in his grandfather's grocery store and delivered newspapers, showing an early entrepreneurial spirit. He attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School before transferring to the University of Nebraska, where he graduated with a degree in business administration.
After earning his degree, Buffett went on to study under Benjamin Graham at Columbia Business School, where he learned the principles of value investing that would shape his career. He then worked briefly at his father's brokerage firm before starting his own investment partnership in the 1950s.
Buffett's investment strategy focused on long-term growth and value, earning him a reputation as one of the most successful investors of the 20th century. He famously avoided tech stocks during the dot-com bubble, instead investing in companies with strong fundamentals and competitive advantages.
Over the years, Buffett's wealth grew exponentially as he acquired stakes in companies like Coca-Cola, American Express, and Apple. He also served as chairman, CEO, and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway, a multinational conglomerate that he transformed into one of the largest and most successful companies in the world.
Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is known for his frugality and modest lifestyle. He was married to Susan Thompson, with whom he had three children, before her death in 2004. In 2006, Buffett married Astrid Menks, his longtime companion.
Buffett is also a noted philanthropist, pledging to donate the majority of his wealth to charitable causes through the Giving Pledge initiative. He has supported various healthcare and education initiatives, as well as environmental conservation efforts.
Buffett's investing philosophy and business acumen have influenced countless investors and entrepreneurs around the world. His annual letters to shareholders are widely read and studied for insights into his investment strategy and market outlook.
In addition to his business success, Buffett is known for his wit and wisdom, with memorable quotes on topics ranging from investing to life in general. He has been a vocal critic of excessive executive compensation and short-term thinking in corporate America, advocating for a long-term view and ethical business practices.
As he enters his ninth decade, Warren Buffett remains one of the most respected and admired figures in the world of finance and investing. His legacy as The Oracle of Omaha is secure, as is his status as one of the greatest investors of all time.