Again in 2008—whereas the markets have been melting down and Wall Road was reaching for antacids—Warren Buffett wasn’t searching Zillow or test-driving Lamborghinis. He was answering questions from college students on the University of Western Ontario and casually dropping billionaire-level perspective prefer it was no massive deal.
“What can I presumably do with billions and billions of {dollars}?” Buffett stated. “I do not see the fuss in having six homes with greenskeepers; I do not see the fuss in having 20 automobiles within the storage.”
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This wasn’t the final time Buffett shrugged off the trimmings of maximum wealth. In a 2012 interview with Charlie Rose, he was requested, “So no want to have plenty of, a whole lot of mansions around the globe, a giant boat—all these issues that your wealth would will let you do?” Buffett replied, “I’ve each possession I would like. I’ve a whole lot of buddies who’ve much more possessions. However in some circumstances, I really feel the possessions possess them, relatively than the opposite method round.”
The person’s price over $164 billion and nonetheless lives in the identical Omaha home he purchased in 1958 for $31,500 and drives a 2014 Cadillac. Whereas hedge fund managers chase personal jets and penthouses, Buffett’s concept of a splurge is a Coke and a McDonald’s breakfast sandwich—ideally with precise change.
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He reminded college students that it is not about stacking belongings for present, however discovering a life you really get pleasure from waking as much as. “The issue just isn’t getting wealthy, however discovering a recreation you get pleasure from and residing a standard life,” he stated.
And in the event you assume he is all {dollars} and spreadsheets, he pivoted from billion-dollar valuations to marriage recommendation with out lacking a beat. “The most important thing is finding the right spouse… In case you make that one resolution proper I’ll assure you a very good lead to life.”
Buffett’s tone was relaxed, even playful. When requested what qualities to search for in a accomplice, he deadpanned: “Humor, appears to be like, character, brains—or simply somebody with low expectations.”
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Whereas Wall Road churned via chaos, Buffett sat in Omaha telling a room stuffed with enterprise college students {that a} satisfying life would not include a dozen garages or live-in groundskeepers. It comes from doing what you’re keen on, treating cash like a software—not a trophy—and perhaps marrying somebody who thinks you are hilarious.
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