Go Ad-Free
My Alerts
Moneycontrol
Moneycontrol PRO
Get App Open
In App
Lending
Lending
Go PRO Now
Open App
HomeNewsbusiness

Warren Buffett at 88: Five wisdom capsules from the Oracle of Omaha

Warren Buffett turned 88 on August 30th and even at this age people pay to listen to his words of wisdom and borrow tidbits from his investing acumen. Here are five thoughts from him which encapsulate his investment philosophy

Moneycontrol News | August 31, 2018 / 13:39 IST
1/5
“It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.” Quality matters. Just because a company has fallen 20% from its 52-week high does not make it a great value buy. Do check the fundamentals of the company. Corrections in the market must be used to buy quality stocks for your long-term portfolio. (Warren Buffett gestures while playing bridge as part of the company annual meeting weekend in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Rick Wilking)
“It's far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.” Quality matters. Just because a company has fallen 20% from its 52-week high does not make it a great value buy. Do check the fundamentals of the company. Corrections in the market must be used to buy quality stocks for your long-term portfolio. (Warren Buffett gestures while playing bridge as part of the company annual meeting weekend in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Rick Wilking)
2/5
“Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy only when others are fearful.” Behavioural issues are a big influencing factor for the retail investors. The emotional swings force them to sell out when it is the time to load up more. Warren Buffett makes it clear that the valuations are attractive when no one is interested in stocks and the other way round. (Warren Buffett enjoys an ice cream treat from Dairy Queen before the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Rick Wilking)
“Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy only when others are fearful.” Behavioural issues are a big influencing factor for the retail investors. The emotional swings force them to sell out when it is the time to load up more. Warren Buffett makes it clear that the valuations are attractive when no one is interested in stocks and the other way round. (Warren Buffett enjoys an ice cream treat from Dairy Queen before the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Rick Wilking)
3/5
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree long time ago.” If you sow the seeds in the form of regular investments and let them compound over a long period of time, there is a fair chance that you will see the wealth being created. (Caricatures of Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett, respectively vice chairman and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc, appear outside Borsheims Fine Jewelry in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Jonathan Stempel)
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree long time ago.” If you sow the seeds in the form of regular investments and let them compound over a long period of time, there is a fair chance that you will see the wealth being created. (Caricatures of Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett, respectively vice chairman and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc, appear outside Borsheims Fine Jewelry in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Jonathan Stempel)
4/5
“Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.” Many avail the services of investment advisors and distributors. While choosing your advisor be sure that his interests are aligned with your interests. (Warren Buffett talks to Microsoft founder Bill Gates at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting weekend in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Rick Wilking)
“Never ask a barber if you need a haircut.” Many avail the services of investment advisors and distributors. While choosing your advisor be sure that his interests are aligned with your interests. (Warren Buffett talks to Microsoft founder Bill Gates at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting weekend in Omaha, Nebraska; Reuters/Rick Wilking)
5/5
“No matter how great the talent or efforts, some things just take time. You can’t produce a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant.” There are no shortcuts – Warren Buffett says. Follow the process and the let the time work for you. The results will be more likely to be in your favour. (Warren Buffett throws a newspaper in a contest before the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting; Reuters/Rick Wilking)
“No matter how great the talent or efforts, some things just take time. You can’t produce a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant.” There are no short cuts – Warren Buffett says. Follow the process and the let the time work for you. The results will be more likely to be in your favour. (Warren Buffett throws a newspaper in a contest before the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting; Reuters/Rick Wilking)

Discover the latest Business News, Budget 2025 News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347