Warren Buffett

Investor, Oracle of Omaha

Contemporary influential 90 sayings

Sayings by Warren Buffett

I really like to do nothing.

2017 — Interview with CNBC
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You can't make a good deal with a bad person.

unknown — Attributed, often cited in business ethics discussions
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I read annual reports for fun.

unknown — Attributed, highlighting his passion for investment research
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The business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective.

unknown — Interview, widely cited
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I'm not interested in cars, clothes, or anything like that. I like to eat hamburgers.

2018 — Interview with CNBC
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The rich invest in time, the poor invest in money.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited
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Can it be that there is some magic ingredient in Omaha's water?

November 19, 2025 (mentioned in a 'final letter' context) — A whimsical and self-deprecating remark about the success of people from Omaha.
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If you were born in the United States, you have already won the lottery. If you find yourself complaining about our country, take a long trip around the world. Ensure you visit developing nations in Asia, South America, and Africa. Also visit Socialist and Communist countries. Talk with locals about their daily lives. Once you return, you will never again complain about America. Not even the DMV.

November 26, 2019 (Quora answer citing Buffett) — A strong, patriotic, and unexpectedly preachy statement on gratitude for living in the U.S.
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If you are a whiner, stop it! You are giving the rest of us a headache.

November 26, 2019 (Quora answer citing Buffett) — A very blunt, impolite, and unexpected piece of advice on complaining.
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Diversification is protection against ignorance. It makes little sense if you know what you are doing.

September 08, 2020 (Medium article citing Buffett) — A controversial and unexpected piece of advice challenging a common investment principle.
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Decide what you would like your obituary to say and live the life to deserve it.

November 19, 2025 (mentioned in a 'final letter' context) — An existential and unexpected piece of advice from a business magnate, focusing on life's ultimate l…
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Don't beat yourself up over past mistakes – learn at least a little from them and move on.

November 19, 2025 (mentioned in a 'final letter' context) — Common-sense advice, but unexpected in its directness from a financial guru known for complex strate…
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The most important investment you can make is in yourself.

September 08, 2020 (Medium article citing Buffett) — Often overshadowed by his financial advice, making it an unexpected emphasis in the context of his o…
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Some investors might be surprised to learn that the name Berkshire Hathaway comes from one of Buffett's worst investments.

September 30, 2022 (Simply Safe Dividends article) — A self-deprecating and unexpected historical tidbit about his company's origin.
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You will never be perfect, but you can always be better.

November 19, 2025 (mentioned in a 'final letter' context) — A simple, yet profound and unexpectedly humble piece of advice on continuous self-improvement.
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When you have money to invest, first look at investment opportunities in companies you already own.

February 10, 2024 (Article on investment advice) — A lesser-known heuristic for avoiding 'diworsification,' unexpected in its simplicity.
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It is never too late to improve.

November 19, 2025 (mentioned in a 'final letter' context) — A simple but unexpected emphasis on continuous personal growth from a successful business leader.
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Don't put success and money over everything else.

September 08, 2020 (Medium article citing Buffett) — Unexpected advice from one of the wealthiest men, suggesting a broader perspective on life.
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Learn to say 'No'.

September 08, 2020 (Medium article citing Buffett) — Simple, yet often overlooked advice, unexpected in its profound impact from a strategic thinker.
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First, understand, then act.

September 08, 2020 (Medium article citing Buffett) — Seems obvious, but his emphasis on deep understanding before action makes it unexpectedly profound.
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