Charlie Munger: Learning from a modern-day Seneca

Charlie Munger passed away at the age of 99

by KUNTAL SHAH

Benjamin Franklin once explained how one can make a lasting impression in this world: "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about" and his reincarnation in the 21st century, Charlie Munger practised both successfully.

In the realm of modern business philosophers, few shine as brightly as Charlie Munger, the Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Echoing Benjamin Franklin's ethos, Munger lived a life worthy of both reading and writing about.

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Munger's strategies at Berkshire Hathaway laid the foundation for what the company is today. His philosophy of buying excellent businesses at fair prices, combined with centralised capital allocation and decentralised management, was revolutionary. This approach, spanning over six decades, cemented his status as an investment legend.

The best thing a human being can do is to help another being know more, said Munger once, and to me, Charlie Munger exemplifies a person who has left an everlasting impact on my cognition of the world. Once you've read some of Charlie Munger's writing, it is easy to understand why he is so often looked to for advice and guidance on everything under the sun. His conversations were often peppered with references to historical greats such as Cicero, Einstein, and Twain, highlighting his ability to synthesise ideas across disciplines and understanding their essence.

Like his great-grandfather, Munger's success was universally respected, won fairly, and used wisely. His teachings, or 'Mungerisms', are testaments to his belief in continuous learning and moral responsibility.

Munger's practical, common-sense approach to complex problems, distilled into witty maxims, earned him respect and admiration well beyond the business world and I personally have benefitted a lot from his teachings and maxims.

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Charlie Munger's passing away is the departure of a modern philosopher whose teachings will continue to inspire and guide generations. A business titan, an investing legend, a great philanthropist, and a philosopher of modern times, his wisdom and guidance will be sorely missed by world at large.

Beyond that, I have nothing more to add.

(The writer is a value investor with three decades of experience in the capital market and is on the Board of Management of FLAME University.)