Warren Buffet

Buffett earned his nickname "Oracle of Omaha" as one of the most successful investors ever. He purchased his first stock at age 11 and his first real estate investment at age 14. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Nebraska and Columbia University. After graduation, Buffett returned to Nebraska and fleshed out his investment philosophy, focusing on companies with strong earnings potential. Buffett grew his personal fortune over time and consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest people in the world. He is also known as a prolific author and is the subject of the acclaimed 2017 documentary film, Becoming Warren Buffett. 

In June 2006, Buffett announced his plan to give away approximately 85% of his fortune to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), pledging the equivalent of 10 million shares of Berkshire Hathaway. With the value of the donation tied directly to his company's performance, Buffett made his mark as a leader in philanthrocapitalism. In addition, he pledged 5% of his personal wealth in annual donations to BMGF. Buffett served as a foundation trustee from 2006 to 2021, working side-by-side with founders Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates to shape the organization's structure and strategies.  

In 2010, Buffett and the Gateses created The Giving Pledge, which invites billionaires to publicly commit to donating the majority of their wealth to philanthropy either during their lifetimes or in their wills. In his pledge letter joining The Giving Pledge, Buffett shared his personal mission to donate 99% of his wealth to philanthropy in his lifetime or upon his death. He has acknowledged the great privilege of his life and personal finances but emphasized his family and friends as his greatest asset.

Buffett and his late wife, Susan Thompson Buffett, raised their three children, Susie, Howard and Peter, to also value philanthropy. Buffett's company shares funded private foundations for all three children, the Sherwood Foundation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the NoVo Foundation, along with a foundation in honor of Susan, the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. Buffett also supported his sister Doris Buffett's philanthropic initiatives. Together, they founded the Letters Foundation, which gave small donations to individuals and families experiencing economic hardship, until it closed in 2020 following Doris’ death.

Buffett has received many honors and accolades throughout his lifetime that acknowledge his investment acumen and commitment to philanthropy. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. His decision to continue living in Omaha—in the home he purchased in 1958 for $31,500—exemplifies his frugality despite his great wealth.

Contributor: Maha Tazi