Warren Buffett Shares Timeless Insights at 95
Warren Buffett, the renowned chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, celebrated his 95th Thanksgiving by reflecting on his life experiences. His annual letter, traditionally sent to shareholders, offered insights beyond company performance.
Warren Buffett’s Reflections on Life at 95
This year’s letter highlighted themes of gratitude and resilience. Buffett opened up about his unexpected fortune of reaching this age, sharing a personal story from his childhood that shaped his perspective.
A Close Call in 1938
Buffett recounted a significant health scare from 1938. At that time, Omaha had a distinct medical community, divided along religious lines. He recalled his experiences with Dr. Harley Hotz, a friendly Catholic doctor who made house calls.
- Dr. Hotz often referred to Buffett as “Skipper.”
- Buffett experienced a severe bellyache that led to a crucial medical intervention.
- After diagnosing him, Dr. Hotz sent Buffett to St. Catherine’s Hospital for an emergency appendectomy.
Following the surgery, Buffett spent three weeks in the hospital. During this time, he developed a fondness for the nuns who cared for him. His hospital stay was not just a recovery period but also a time of connection and growth.
The Power of Connection
Buffett also reminisced about the support he received from his classmates. Miss Madsen, his third-grade teacher, encouraged each student to write him letters during his hospitalization.
- Buffett cherished the letters, especially those from his female classmates.
- He humorously mentioned discarding letters from his male peers.
This nostalgic reflection underscores Buffett’s message about the importance of relationships and kindness, which he has valued throughout his personal and professional life.
Timeless Insights from a Financial Legend
As Thanksgiving nears, Warren Buffett’s reflections serve as a reminder of the unexpected joys in life. His stories illustrate a journey marked by both challenges and deep connections with others.
Through his letter, Buffett shares not just wisdom related to investing, but also timeless insights on gratitude and resilience that resonate with audiences of all ages.
