Lasting Legacy of Warren Buffett: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Warren Buffett—a timeline of influence.

Warren Buffett is a highly successful American investor and philanthropist, serving as the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Renowned for his investment acumen, he's considered one of America's most prominent investors. As of May 2025, his estimated net worth of $160.2 billion ranks him as the fifth-richest person globally.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1996: Buffett's Letter to Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders

In a 1996 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, Warren Buffett stated "If you aren't willing to own a stock for ten years, don't even think about owning it for ten minutes"

November 1999: Buffett Warns of Unrealistic Expectations

In his November 1999 Fortune article, Warren Buffett warned of investors' unrealistic expectations.

2004: Bequest to Buffett Foundation

In 2004, the bulk of Susan Buffett's estate, valued at $2.6 billion, went to the Buffett Foundation.

2004: Buffett Discusses Difficulties of Knowing When to Sell

In the 2004 annual report, Warren Buffett discussed the challenges of knowing when to sell company holdings.

June 2006: Buffett Announces Charitable Giving

In June 2006, Buffett announced that he would gradually donate 85% of his Berkshire holdings to five foundations, with the largest portion going to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, starting in July 2006.

June 2006: Charitable Giving Plan Announcement

In June 2006, Warren Buffett announced a plan to give 83% of his fortune to charity, primarily to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

June 23, 2006: Pledge to Gates Foundation

On June 23, 2006, Warren Buffett pledged the equivalent of 10 million Berkshire Hathaway Class B shares (worth approximately $30.7 billion) to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, making it the largest charitable donation in history.

July 2006: Start of Charitable Donations

Starting in July 2006, Warren Buffett began gradually giving away 85% of his Berkshire holdings to five foundations in annual gifts of stock, with the largest contribution going to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

2007: Search for Successor

In 2007, Buffett announced in a letter to shareholders that he was seeking a younger individual or individuals to succeed him in running his investment business.

October 2008: Numerous Books in Print with Buffett's Name

In October 2008, USA Today reported at least 47 books were in print with Warren Buffett's name in the title. Buffett said that his own personal favorite is a collection of his essays called The Essays of Warren Buffett, which he described as "a coherent rearrangement of ideas from my annual report letters".

2009: Subject of BBC Documentary 'The World's Greatest Money Maker'

In 2009, Warren Buffett was the subject of the BBC production The World's Greatest Money Maker.

December 9, 2010: Signing of the Giving Pledge

On December 9, 2010, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg signed the "Gates-Buffett Giving Pledge," promising to donate at least half of their wealth to charity and inviting others to join.

May 2012: Avoidance of High-Technology Stocks

In May 2012, Buffett explained he had avoided buying stock in high-technology companies like Facebook and Google because they are complex and difficult to understand. He also advised that IPO's of new stock issues are almost always bad investments and that investors should look for companies that will have good value in ten years.

2017: Subject of HBO Documentary 'Becoming Warren Buffett'

In 2017, Warren Buffett was the subject of the HBO documentary feature Becoming Warren Buffett.

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January 2018: Warning About Cryptocurrency Craze

In January 2018, Warren Buffet said the recent craze over Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies would not end well, adding that "when it happens or how or anything else, I don't know;" and later that year calling it, "rat poison squared." He said he would not take a short position on bitcoin futures.

June 2021: Comments on the Economic Impact of COVID-19

In a June 2021 interview with CNBC, Warren Buffet said that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased economic inequality and bemoaned that most people are unaware that "hundreds of thousands or millions" of small businesses have been negatively impacted. He also stated that the markets and the economy will likely be unpredictable well into the post-pandemic recovery period, even with the Biden administration and the United States Federal Reserve having a plan in place. He said the unpredictability and the effects of COVID-19 are far from over.

June 23, 2021: Resignation as Trustee of Gates Foundation

On June 23, 2021, Warren Buffett announced his resignation as a trustee of the Gates Foundation, marking a shift in his philanthropic strategy.

November 2022: Donation to Charitable Foundations

In November 2022, Warren Buffett donated $750 million in Berkshire Hathaway shares to four charitable foundations run by his children.

2023: Total Charitable Donations

As of 2023, Warren Buffett has given over $50 billion to charitable causes, marking a significant milestone in his philanthropic efforts.

May 3, 2025: Requested Board to Appoint Greg Abel as CEO

On May 3, 2025, at Berkshire Hathaway's investor conference, Warren Buffett requested that the board appoint Greg Abel to succeed him as the company's chief executive officer by the year's end.

May 5, 2025: Greg Abel Appointed President and CEO

On May 5, 2025, Berkshire Hathaway announced the appointment of Greg Abel as president and CEO, effective January 1, 2026, with Warren Buffett remaining chairman.