Portrait of Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett

Investor, Oracle of Omaha

Contemporary influential 90 sayings

Sayings by Warren Buffett

I really like to do nothing.

2017 — Interview with CNBC
Wisdom Unverifiable

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

unknown — Attributed, often cited in business ethics discussions
Wisdom Unverifiable

I read annual reports for fun.

unknown — Attributed, highlighting his passion for investment research
Wisdom Unverifiable

The business schools reward difficult complex behavior more than simple behavior, but simple behavior is more effective.

unknown — Interview, widely cited
Educational Unverifiable

I'm not interested in cars, clothes, or anything like that. I like to eat hamburgers.

2018 — Interview with CNBC
Wisdom Unverifiable

The rich invest in time, the poor invest in money.

unknown — Attributed, widely cited
Money & Business Unverifiable

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.
Nature & World Unverifiable

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.
Political Unverifiable

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.
Wisdom Unverifiable

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.
Wisdom Unverifiable

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…
Wisdom Unverifiable

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…
Educational Unverifiable

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…
Money & Business Unverifiable

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.
Educational Unverifiable

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.
Wisdom Unverifiable

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.
Money & Business Unverifiable

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.
Wisdom Unverifiable

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.
Inspirational Unverifiable

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.
Educational Unverifiable

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.
Wisdom Unverifiable
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