Warren Buffett is one of my heroes, not just in investing, but also in life. On 30 August 2020, he turned an amazing 90 years old. But as his dear friend Bill Gates notes, Buffett still “has the mental sharpness of a 30-year-old, the mischievous laugh of a 10-year-old, and the diet of a 6-year-old.” To celebrate Buffett’s extraordinary life, I want to share a few of my favourite stories about him.

Story 1: Philanthropy and the meaning of wealth

In August 2014, Buffett, together with his friends Bill and Melinda Gates, created The Giving Pledge, a movement that encourages society’s wealthiest individuals to pledge the majority of their immense wealth to philanthropic causes. The Giving Pledge started with 40 of America’s wealthiest people and today includes more than 200 families from 23 countries. The Giving Pledge has its roots in Buffett’s decision in 2006 to gradually give all of his wealth to philanthropic foundations. As part of The Giving Pledge, Buffett has committed to giving more than 99% of his wealth to...