A Short History of Warren Buffett

Business & Money

A Short History of Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett is one of the most iconic and successful investors in history. Often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” his name is synonymous with value investing, financial discipline, and long-term thinking. But how did Warren Buffett rise from a paperboy in Nebraska to become one of the richest and most respected figures in global finance?

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This article offers a short history of Warren Buffett from his early life to the legacy he continues to build.

Early Life and First Investments

Warren Buffett was born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska. From a very young age, he showed an unusual fascination with business and money.

At age 6, he bought packs of Coca-Cola from his grandfather’s store and resold them for a profit.
At 11, he purchased his first stock: Cities Service Preferred, at $38 a share.
By his teenage years, he had already filed taxes and owned pinball machines in local barbershops.

These early ventures laid the foundation for his lifelong interest in investing and entrepreneurship.

Education and Meeting Benjamin Graham

Buffett attended the University of Nebraska, and later went on to earn a master’s degree in economics from Columbia Business School. There, he studied under Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing and author of The Intelligent Investor.

Graham’s principles of buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals would shape Buffett’s entire investment philosophy.

Early Career and Buffett Partnership Ltd.

After college, Buffett worked briefly for Graham’s investment firm before returning to Omaha and launching Buffett Partnership Ltd. in 1956. Using Graham’s principles, he grew the partnership’s value rapidly over the next decade.

By the late 1960s, he had amassed enough capital and influence to begin acquiring controlling interests in companies.

Acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway

One of Buffett’s most notable early acquisitions was a struggling textile company called Berkshire Hathaway. Though the textile business ultimately failed, Buffett used the company as a holding vehicle to buy other businesses.

Over the years, Berkshire Hathaway became the umbrella for Buffett’s investment empire, acquiring or investing in companies such as:

GEICO
Coca-Cola
American Express
See’s Candies
Apple Inc.

Investment Philosophy

Buffett’s approach to investing emphasizes:

Long-term value over short-term speculation
Businesses with strong brands and moats
Competent and ethical management teams
Patience and discipline

He famously avoids trendy or speculative assets and sticks to industries and models he understands well.

The Role of Charlie Munger

Buffett’s longtime business partner, Charlie Munger, has been an essential influence in shaping his thinking. Together, they’ve built Berkshire Hathaway into one of the most valuable companies in the world.

Munger encouraged Buffett to focus on great businesses at fair prices rather than just cheap stocks—a subtle but important shift in strategy.

Wealth, Philanthropy, and Humility

Warren Buffett’s net worth has exceeded $100 billion, but he’s known for living modestly:

Still lives in the same Omaha house he bought in 1958
Eats at McDonald’s and drinks Coca-Cola daily
Drives himself to work

He has also pledged to give away over 99% of his wealth through the Giving Pledge, co-founded with Bill and Melinda Gates.

Legacy and Influence

Warren Buffett’s annual shareholder letters, investment discipline, and plainspoken wisdom have earned him admiration far beyond Wall Street. His quotes like:

"Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful."

are now considered guiding principles for smart investing.

He continues to mentor younger investors and remains active at Berkshire Hathaway well into his 90s.

Final Thoughts

Warren Buffett’s story is one of curiosity, consistency, and integrity. He didn’t make his fortune through luck or hype, but through principled investing, lifelong learning, and a deep understanding of business fundamentals.

Whether you're an aspiring investor or simply admire his philosophy, Warren Buffett’s life is a powerful example of how wisdom, patience, and discipline can lead to success—on your own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Short History of Warren Buffett

**Early Life and First Investments**

Warren Buffett was born on August 30, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska. From a very young age, he showed an unusual fascination with business and money. - At age **6**, he bought packs of Coca-Cola from his grandfather’s store and resold them for a profit. - At **11**, he purchased his first stock: **Cities Service Preferred**, at $38 a share. - By his teenage years, he had already filed taxes and owned pinball machines in local barbershops. These early ventures laid the foundation for his lifelong interest in investing and entrepreneurship.

**Education and Meeting Benjamin Graham**

Buffett attended the **University of Nebraska**, and later went on to earn a master’s degree in economics from **Columbia Business School**. There, he studied under **Benjamin Graham**, the father of value investing and author of *The Intelligent Investor*. Graham’s principles of **buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals** would shape Buffett’s entire investment philosophy.

**Early Career and Buffett Partnership Ltd.**

After college, Buffett worked briefly for Graham’s investment firm before returning to Omaha and launching **Buffett Partnership Ltd.** in 1956. Using Graham’s principles, he grew the partnership’s value rapidly over the next decade. By the late 1960s, he had amassed enough capital and influence to begin acquiring controlling interests in companies.

**Acquisition of Berkshire Hathaway**

One of Buffett’s most notable early acquisitions was a struggling textile company called **Berkshire Hathaway**. Though the textile business ultimately failed, Buffett used the company as a holding vehicle to buy other businesses. Over the years, Berkshire Hathaway became the umbrella for Buffett’s investment empire, acquiring or investing in companies such as: - **GEICO** - **Coca-Cola** - **American Express** - **See’s Candies** - **Apple Inc.**

**Investment Philosophy**

Buffett’s approach to investing emphasizes: - **Long-term value** over short-term speculation - **Businesses with strong brands and moats** - **Competent and ethical management teams** - **Patience and discipline** He famously avoids trendy or speculative assets and sticks to industries and models he understands well.

**The Role of Charlie Munger**

Buffett’s longtime business partner, **Charlie Munger**, has been an essential influence in shaping his thinking. Together, they’ve built Berkshire Hathaway into one of the most valuable companies in the world. Munger encouraged Buffett to focus on **great businesses at fair prices** rather than just cheap stocks—a subtle but important shift in strategy.

**Wealth, Philanthropy, and Humility**

Warren Buffett’s net worth has exceeded **$100 billion**, but he’s known for living modestly: - Still lives in the same Omaha house he bought in 1958 - Eats at McDonald’s and drinks Coca-Cola daily - Drives himself to work He has also pledged to give away **over 99% of his wealth** through the **Giving Pledge**, co-founded with Bill and Melinda Gates.

**Legacy and Influence**

Warren Buffett’s annual shareholder letters, investment discipline, and plainspoken wisdom have earned him admiration far beyond Wall Street. His quotes like: > "Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful." are now considered guiding principles for smart investing. He continues to mentor younger investors and remains active at Berkshire Hathaway well into his 90s.

**Final Thoughts**

Warren Buffett’s story is one of curiosity, consistency, and integrity. He didn’t make his fortune through luck or hype, but through **principled investing**, lifelong learning, and a deep understanding of business fundamentals. Whether you're an aspiring investor or simply admire his philosophy, Warren Buffett’s life is a powerful example of how **wisdom, patience, and discipline** can lead to success—on your own terms.

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A Short History of Warren Buffett