As I’m struggling to come up with something to write about today (headaches do that to me), my mind drifted to Warren Buffett and the fact that he’s such a paradox in the investment (or business) world.
Warren Buffett and Bill Gates
In many ways Warren Buffett is like the old folklore hero John Henry. John Henry was a black man and the story goes that the railroads owners were replacing men like John with steam hammers. John Henry challenged the steam hammer machine to a contest and won, but immediately after winning the contest, he collapsed and died. He was a hero to the working men of that age!
Warren, much like John Henry, goes up against machines and special computer algorithms, but to date has fared well and continues to win the battle with the computer programs, and without dying at the end.
Another way Mr. Buffett is a paradox is that he’s a solid Democrat. Although raised a Republican, his wife converted him to the Democrat way. While I don’t entire agree with his political choice, I’m not necessarily a right-wing Republican either.
I do see a great paradox in that Warren being one of the richest men in the world is solidly in the Democrat camp. Doesn’t that kind of go against nature, or at least popular public perceptions of the extreme rich?
Another oddity is that Warren doesn’t use his computers as tools to help with his work, instead he uses it to play bridge with remote friends (like Bill Gates) and other games. But other than that, he doesn’t use computers for investing or business purposes… Tell me this isn’t a head scratcher!
Yes, in today’s society, Warren Buffett is the equivalent of seeing a real unicorn or Pegasus. Perhaps this is why lunch meetings with him go for millions of dollars on eBay each year.
Personally, I fix it interesting that his consumption habits (coke, cheeseburgers, etc), isn’t really far from the typical middle class style of eating. so here is one of the richest men in the world eating normal foods that I would eat when I go to lunch…
Can you think of other interesting paradoxes about Mr. Buffett, if so, please comment! We would love to hear them!
Thanks,
MR