Longevity

In May 2024, for the first time since 1978, Warren Buffett, 94, addressed Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders meeting without his partner and friend Charles Munger by his side: Berkshire's lesser-known architect had died six months prior at 99. Forbes introduced Buffett's “not-so-silent” partner to the world in a January 1996 cover story, explaining that Munger was “as much the creator of the Berkshire Hathaway investment philosophy as is the master himself.” Indeed, it was Munger who advised the Oracle of Omaha to shift from a traditional Ben Graham value investor strategy to a more devout buy-and-hold approach. “It took a powerful force to move me on from Graham's limiting views,” Buffett told us. “It was the power of Charlie's mind. He expanded my horizons.” Berkshire reaped massive returns by making long-term bets on stocks like Coca-Cola and American Express. Said Munger: “We intend to hold Coca-Cola forever.” It worked: In 1996, Buffett—who owned 43.8% of Berkshire Hathaway—was worth $17 billion, while Munger, who owned 1.6%, was worth $610 million. Buffett, now 95, is currently worth $147 billion. (He will step down after 60 years as Berkshire CEO at the end of this year.) Munger, at his death one month shy of his 100th birthday, was worth $2.2 billion.

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“New landscapes, new customs. The accumulation of memories. A long life is not a question of years. A man without memories might reach 100 and feel that his life had been very brief.”

—Graham Greene

“Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch life from the sidelines.”

—Helen Hayes

“What's the secret for staying around? There is no secret. Just stay around.”

—Don Rickles

“Many things can prolong your life, but only wisdom can save it.”

—Neel Burton