Who is Warren Buffett? Biography, Age & Net Worth

Warren Buffett, an eminent luminary in the financial sphere, emerged from the heartland of Omaha, Nebraska, on August 30, 1930. Hailed as the “Oracle of Omaha,” his unparalleled acumen in investment has solidified his stature as one of the most astute financial minds of both the 20th and early 21st centuries. Defying conventional market inclinations, Buffett meticulously orchestrated an empire, amassing a staggering fortune exceeding $100 billion.

A progeny of Howard Homan Buffett, a U.S. Congressman representing Nebraska, Warren displayed an early affinity for numbers and commerce. After securing a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska in 1950, he pursued deeper financial enlightenment under the tutelage of Benjamin Graham at Columbia University, culminating in a Master of Science in 1951. His return to Omaha in 1956 marked the genesis of an extraordinary financial odyssey. By 1965, Buffett had commandeered the reins of Berkshire Hathaway, originally a textile manufacturing firm, metamorphosing it into the fulcrum of his investment endeavors. While traditional stock indices recorded annualized gains of approximately 11 percent from the 1960s through the 1990s, Berkshire Hathaway’s publicly traded shares surged at an astounding rate of nearly 28 percent per annum.

Despite ascending to the echelons of global affluence, Buffett remained an advocate of financial prudence, eschewing ostentation. His critique of economic policies that disproportionately benefited the elite over the working and middle classes underscored his commitment to fiscal equity.

In an unparalleled act of philanthropy, Buffett proclaimed in June 2006 his intention to bequeath over 80 percent of his wealth to charitable foundations, later escalating this pledge to an astonishing 99 percent by 2020. The paramount beneficiary of his generosity was the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, spearheaded by Microsoft magnate Bill Gates and his then-wife, Melinda. Their shared vision for global health and education cemented a profound camaraderie dating back to the early 1990s. Other recipients of Buffett’s largesse encompassed initiatives managed by his three children and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, named in honor of his late wife, with a focus on reproductive rights and educational scholarships. In 2010, Buffett, in collaboration with the Gateses, unveiled the Giving Pledge, galvanizing affluent individuals to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes.

Amidst the financial tumult of the 2007–08 subprime mortgage debacle, Buffett orchestrated a series of calculated investments that, despite initial skepticism, yielded lucrative returns. In September 2008, he injected $5 billion into Goldman Sachs, a strategic maneuver that underscored his shrewd financial foresight. The following month, Berkshire Hathaway secured $3 billion in General Electric preferred stock. Further solidifying his dominion, Buffett, in November 2009, declared the acquisition of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation for approximately $26 billion, augmenting Berkshire’s pre-existing 23 percent stake in the railroad titan. Moreover, Berkshire Hathaway held formidable equity positions in corporate juggernauts such as Coca-Cola and Apple, reinforcing its expansive financial influence.

Buffett’s trajectory remains a testament to his unparalleled investment prowess, steadfast discipline, and unwavering commitment to philanthropy—an enduring legacy in the annals of financial history.