Warren Buffett was born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, into a well-off family. His father was a stockbroker and later served two terms as a U.S. Congressman. From a young age, Buffett was engaged in small businesses; at 11, he assisted his father with brokerage work, and by 14, he had earned enough to purchase 40 acres of land. He earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Columbia University.

By 2018, Buffett’s net worth was $84 billion, second only to Bill Gates. Renowned for his exceptional market insight, he pioneered value investing—identifying industries poised for growth—and earned the nickname “the Oracle of Omaha.” However, in the increasingly complex modern stock market, even Buffett has faced significant losses.

Buffett acquires companies he believes have strong potential and allows them operational autonomy. He provides capital and oversees top executive appointments and salaries but refrains from interfering in day-to-day management. Sellers maintain independence and freedom to run their enterprises.

Since 2000, Buffett has annually auctioned a charity dinner online, with the highest bid reaching $2.63 million in 2011.

Known for his frugal lifestyle, Buffett has pledged to donate 99% of his wealth to charity, primarily through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He has said: “What I leave my children will be enough for them to do something, but not so much that they can do nothing.” He also remarked: “Personal wealth is only valuable when society redeems it; if I were in Bangladesh, my talent would have no outlet.” Buffett views money as a future social resource convertible into consumption, not a pursuit of material luxury.

In 2012, Buffett was treated for prostate cancer. His first wife passed away in 2004; he has three children and married his second wife in 2006.