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, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is a highly successful American investor and philanthropist. Renowned for his investment acumen, he is one of the world's most well-known investors. With an estimated net worth of $154.4 billion as of April 5, 2025, Buffett ranks among the wealthiest individuals globally.

Sections (7)

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

November 1999: Buffett Warns of Unrealistic Expectations

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

2002: Adviser to Nuclear Threat Initiative

In 2002, Warren Buffett pledged $50 million to the Nuclear Threat Initiative in Washington and began serving as an advisor.

2004: Wife's Estate to Buffett Foundation

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

2004: Buffett Discusses Selling Difficulties

In the company's 2004 annual report, Warren Buffett discussed the difficulties of knowing when to sell, in light of The Coca-Cola Company's stock peaking in 1998.

June 2006: Charitable Giving Plan Announcement

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

June 2006: Buffett Announces Charitable Giving

In June 2006, Warren Buffett announced his plan to 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. This was one of the largest philanthropic contributions of all time.

June 23, 2006: Largest Charitable Donation

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

July 2006: Start of Charitable Stock Gifts

In July 2006, Warren Buffett began annual gifts of stock to five foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as part of his commitment to give away 85% of his Berkshire holdings.

October 2008: Report on Books About Buffett

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

2009: Inspiration for Novel

In 2009, Ralph Nader wrote the book Only the Super Rich Can Save Us, a novel featuring Warren Buffett using his fortune to improve America.

"Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!"

Check it on Amazon

2009: Subject of 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 and encouraging other wealthy individuals to do the same.

2010: Founded the Giving Pledge

In 2010, Warren Buffett founded the Giving Pledge with Bill Gates, whereby billionaires pledge to give away at least half of their fortunes.

May 2012: Buffett on Technology Stocks and IPOs

In May 2012, Warren Buffett stated that he had avoided buying stock in high-technology companies like Facebook and Google due to their complexity and the difficulty in estimating their future value. He also advised that initial public offerings (IPOs) are typically bad investments, and investors should seek companies that will retain good value over ten years.

2017: Subject of HBO Documentary Becoming Warren Buffett

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

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June 23, 2021: Resignation as Gates Foundation Trustee

On June 23, 2021, Warren Buffett announced his resignation as a trustee of the Gates Foundation, which was a significant shift from his previous intention to pass most of his fortune to his own Buffett Foundation.

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 Giving

As of 2023, Warren Buffett has given over $50 billion to charitable causes.

April 5, 2025: Buffett's Net Worth

As of April 5, 2025, Warren Buffett's estimated net worth was US$154.4 billion, making him the fifth-richest individual in the world, according to Forbes.