Famed investor and billionaire Warren Buffett has announced his intention to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of the year.
At 94 years old, Buffett is not only leaving behind a monumental legacy in the investment world but also a wealth of timeless wisdom.
According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, his estimated net worth is $196 billion, making him the fifth-richest person globally.
Despite his immense fortune, Buffett is celebrated for his down-to-earth personality, witty remarks, and modest lifestyle.
From his love for Coca-Cola and fast food to his philanthropic efforts and long-term investment strategies, Buffett has captivated millions worldwide.
People have even paid millions of dollars just to have lunch with him, eager to glean insights from his legendary mind.
But you don’t need millions to learn from the Oracle of Omaha.
Here are 20 of Warren Buffett’s most iconic quotes that continue to inspire generations.
1. Only Buy What You’re Willing to Hold for a Decade
“Only buy something that you’d be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.”
This quote sums up Buffett’s commitment to long-term value investing and avoiding short-term market noise.
2. Don’t Watch the Market Closely
“Don’t watch the market closely,” Buffett advised during a volatile market period in 2016.
“If you’re trying to buy and sell stocks, and worry when they go down a little bit, you’re not going to have very good results.”
3. A $5 Dinner Can Be Better Than a $100 One
“My wife and I decided then, we were going to enjoy life,” Buffett told Forbes.
“I think a $5 dinner is, in many cases, better than a $100 dinner.”
4. Someone’s Sitting in the Shade Because Someone Planted a Tree
This powerful analogy highlights the importance of long-term thinking and planning for the future.
5. I Read and Think
“I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think,” Buffett once said.
“That is very uncommon in American business. I read and think. I make less impulse decisions than most people in business.”
6. Risk Comes from Not Knowing What You’re Doing
Buffett emphasized the importance of understanding your investments.
Risk, he explained, is a result of ignorance, not volatility.
7. Do a Few Things Right
“You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.”
Buffett believes in mastering the basics and avoiding costly mistakes.
8. Give Kids Enough to Do Anything, Not Nothing
He told Fortune in 1986 that the right inheritance is “enough money so that they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.”
9. The Light Can Change from Green to Red Instantly
“No one can tell you when market crashes will happen,” Buffett wrote in a shareholder letter.
“The light can at any time go from green to red without pausing at yellow.”
10. It Takes 20 Years to Build a Reputation and 5 Minutes to Ruin It
This classic Buffett quote serves as a reminder of how fragile trust and integrity can be.
11. You Can’t Make a Good Deal with a Bad Person
“You cannot make a good deal with a bad person,” Buffett told Suzy Welch.
He believes character is just as important as capability.
12. Buy Quality Merchandise on Sale
“Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.”
Buffett believes that bargains are where real value is found.
13. Only Invest in Simple Businesses
“If there’s lots of technology, we won’t understand it,” Buffett said in 2014.
He sticks to companies that are easy to understand and evaluate.
14. Stocks Will Beat Bonds Over Time
Buffett told CNBC in 2017, “The one thing I’m sure of is that over time, stocks from this level will beat bonds from this level.”
15. Rule No. 1: Never Lose Money
“Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Don’t forget rule No. 1.”
One of Buffett’s most famous rules—and for good reason.
16. Successful People Say No
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”
Focus and discipline are the keys to long-term success.
17. Surround Yourself with Better People
“It’s better to hang out with people better than you,” Buffett once said.
“Pick out associates whose behavior is better than yours and you’ll drift in that direction.”
18. Cryptocurrencies Will Come to Bad Endings
“Cryptocurrencies will come to bad endings,” Buffett said in 2018.
“There’s nothing being produced in the way of value from the asset.”
19. Price Is What You Pay. Value Is What You Get
This quote is a cornerstone of Buffett’s investment philosophy—always focus on long-term value, not short-term price.
20. You Don’t Know Who’s Swimming Naked Until the Tide Goes Out
“You don’t find out who’s been swimming naked until the tide goes out,” Buffett said in 1994.
It’s his way of saying that risk is only exposed during hard times.
Buffett’s Legacy Is More Than Wealth
Warren Buffett’s career has spanned generations, but his wisdom remains timeless.
Even as he prepares to retire from Berkshire Hathaway, his insights will continue to guide investors, entrepreneurs, and everyday people.
In a world often obsessed with speed and speculation, Buffett’s voice is a lasting reminder of patience, principle, and perspective.