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, Buffett is globally recognized as one of the foremost investors. As of February 17, 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $149.6 billion, positioning him as the seventh wealthiest person worldwide.

Sections (7)

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

1966: Partnership Closed to New Money

In 1966, Warren Buffett closed his partnership to new money, later stating that the textile business had been his worst trade.

November 1999: Warned of investors' unrealistic expectations

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

2004: Difficulties of knowing when to sell

In the company's 2004 annual report, Buffett discussed the difficulties of knowing when to sell, a topic relevant to Berkshire's major holdings.

June 2006: Announcement of Charitable Giving Plan

In June 2006, Warren Buffett announced a new plan to give 83% of his fortune to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

June 2006: Giving away Berkshire holdings

In June 2006, Warren Buffett announced that he would gradually give 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.

June 23, 2006: Pledge to Bill & Melinda 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 giving away Berkshire holdings

In July 2006, Warren Buffett began giving away 85% of his Berkshire holdings to five foundations in annual gifts of stock.

2007: Looking for a successor

In 2007, Warren Buffett announced in a letter to shareholders that he was looking for a younger successor, or perhaps successors, to run his investment business.

October 2008: Books About Warren Buffett

In October 2008, USA Today reported that at least 47 books were in print with Buffett's name in the title. Buffett's favorite book is a collection of his essays called The Essays of Warren Buffett.

2009: BBC Production: 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: Gates-Buffett 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.

2010: Founding of the Giving Pledge

In 2010, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates founded the Giving Pledge, encouraging billionaires to donate at least half of their wealth to philanthropic causes.

May 2012: Buffett on Avoiding Tech Stocks and IPOs

In May 2012, Warren Buffett stated he avoided buying stock in high-technology companies like Facebook and Google due to their complexity and difficulty in estimating their future value. He also advised that initial public offerings (IPOs) of new stock issues are almost always bad investments.