Buffett's Top Investment: Spouse
Hello! Today, I've brought this topic to you! We all look up to financial gurus for wisdom, don't we? And when the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, speaks, we listen. But what if his most profound financial advice has absolutely nothing to do with stocks, bonds, or real estate? Intriguing, right?
Well, today, we're diving deep into a surprisingly personal piece of wisdom from the legendary investor that might just change how you view your life's most significant investments. Forget market trends for a moment, because Buffett's biggest tip is about something far more fundamental: your life partner.
☆ The Ultimate Partnership: Choosing Your Spouse Wisely
When you think of Warren Buffett, you probably picture shrewd investments, meticulous financial analysis, and perhaps a cherry coke. But according to the man himself, the single most important financial decision you'll ever make isn't about buying low and selling high, it's about choosing the person you marry.
Buffett didn't mince words during a 2017 conversation with Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates. He declared, “You want to associate with people who are the kind of person you’d like to be. You’ll move in that direction. And the most important person by far in that respect is your spouse. I can’t overemphasize how important that is.”
He even attributes a major turning point in his life to meeting his first wife, Susan. As he shared in HBO’s 2017 documentary, Becoming Warren Buffett, he said, “What happened with me would not have happened without her.” He truly believes that marrying the "right person" fundamentally alters your aspirations and trajectory. It's not just about sharing expenses; it's about shared values, mutual support, and becoming a better version of yourself through their influence.
☆ Beyond Happiness: The Power of Low Expectations for Lasting Love
Now, here's where Buffett's advice gets a little unconventional. While many seek "happiness" as the ultimate goal in marriage, Buffett suggests focusing on longevity and something he calls "low expectations."
At the 2015 Most Powerful Women Summit, Buffett offered a candid piece of advice: “If you want a marriage to last, look for someone with low expectations.” This isn't about settling, but about a realistic approach to partnership. He explained during a university lecture that when seeking a spouse for a lasting marriage, qualities like brains, humor, character, or beauty aren't necessarily the one quality to look for. Instead, it's about building a foundation that can endure, focusing on what truly makes a partnership sustainable rather than fleeting moments of bliss or external appearances.
While his own marital history, involving his first wife Susan and later Astrid Menks (who was a longtime friend to both), might seem unconventional to some, it highlights a relationship built on deep understanding and respect that transcended traditional norms. It underscores his belief in a partnership that truly lasts.
☆ The Priceless Investment: Unconditional Love Over Money
Despite being one of the wealthiest people in the world, Buffett firmly believes that the greatest return on investment isn't found in a stock portfolio. It's in unconditional love.
In a 2008 talk to MBA students, he stated, “Being given unconditional love is the greatest benefit you can ever get.” He describes love as an extraordinary force: “The incredible thing about love is that you can’t get rid of it. If you try to give it away, you end up with twice as much, but if you try to hold on to it, it disappears.”
It's a simple truth that money can buy many things, but not genuine affection. As he told University of Georgia students in 2001, “The problem with love is that it’s not for sale. The only way to get love is to be lovable. It’s very irritating if you have a lot of money. You’d like to think you could write a check: I’ll buy a million dollars’ worth of love. But it doesn’t work that way. The more you give love away, the more you get.” This underscores his philosophy that true wealth is measured not just in dollars, but in the richness of your relationships and the love you give and receive.
☆ Questions
Q1. Why does Warren Buffett consider choosing a spouse more important than stock market decisions?
A. He believes your spouse is the most influential person in shaping who you become, impacting your aspirations and overall life trajectory. Their influence goes beyond financial decisions and deeply affects your personal growth and success, making them a "turning point" in life.
Q2. What unconventional advice does Buffett give for a lasting marriage?
A. He suggests looking for someone with "low expectations." This implies a focus on a realistic, sustainable partnership built on deeper compatibility and endurance, rather than solely on fleeting happiness or superficial qualities, which he believes leads to greater longevity.
Q3. How does Buffett describe the value of love compared to money?
A. Buffett emphasizes that unconditional love is the greatest benefit one can receive, far more valuable than wealth. He states that love cannot be bought and that the more you give it away, the more you receive in return, highlighting its compounding, priceless nature.
☆ Conclusion
So, there you have it! From the man who built an empire, a profound lesson that the greatest investment isn't always in assets and balance sheets, but in the heart. Warren Buffett's wisdom reminds us that while financial acumen is vital, the right life partner and the power of unconditional love are truly priceless. It's a reminder that true wealth extends far beyond our bank accounts.