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. He is the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a conglomerate holding company. His exceptional investment acumen has made him one of the most renowned investors globally. As of May 2025, Buffett's estimated net worth is approximately $160.2 billion, ranking him among the wealthiest individuals in the world. He is widely respected for his value investing philosophy and long-term investment strategies.

Sections (7)

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

November 1999: Warning of unrealistic expectations

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

1999: Top Money Manager of the Twentieth Century

In 1999, Warren Buffett was named the Top Money Manager of the Twentieth Century in a survey by the Carson Group.

2000: Comparison to the Olympics

In 2000, Warren Buffett compared the inheritance tax to the Olympics.

2002: Adviser to Nuclear Threat Initiative

In 2002, Warren Buffett began serving as an adviser to the Nuclear Threat Initiative in Washington, where he also pledged $50 million.

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 his Buffett Foundation upon her death.

2004: Difficulty knowing when to sell

In the company's 2004 annual report, Warren Buffett discussed the difficulties of knowing when to sell.

June 2006: Plan to donate to charity

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 his plan to gradually donate 85% of his Berkshire Hathaway holdings to five foundations, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation receiving the largest share, starting in July 2006.

June 23, 2006: Pledge to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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

July 2006: Start of charitable stock gifts

Starting in July 2006, Warren Buffett began making annual gifts of Berkshire Hathaway stock to five foundations, fulfilling his June 2006 pledge.

2007: Bet on S&P 500 index fund

In 2007, Warren Buffett made a bet with numerous managers that a simple S&P 500 index fund would outperform hedge funds that charge exorbitant fees.

2007: Time's 100 Most Influential People

In 2007, Warren Buffett was listed among Time's 100 Most Influential People in the world.

October 2008: Report on Books with Buffett's Name

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

2009: Ralph Nader's Book

In 2009, Ralph Nader wrote the book Only the Super Rich Can Save Us, a novel about "a movement of billionaires led by Warren Buffett... who use their fortunes to clean up America".

"Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us!"

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2009: Subject of The World's Greatest Money Maker Production

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

2009: Second Richest Man in the United States

In 2009, after donating billions of dollars to charity, Warren Buffett was ranked as the second richest man in the United States with a net worth of $37 billion.

December 9, 2010: Gates-Buffett Giving Pledge

On December 9, 2010, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg signed a promise they called the "Gates-Buffett Giving Pledge", in which they promise to donate to charity at least half of their wealth.

2010: Most Influential Global Thinker

In 2010, Warren Buffett, along with Bill Gates, was named the most influential global thinker in Foreign Policy's report.

2011: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Warren Buffett the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

May 2012: Comments on Technology Stocks and IPOs

In May 2012, Warren Buffett stated he avoided investing in high-technology companies like Facebook and Google due to their complexity. He also advised against investing in initial public offerings (IPOs).

September 2013: Net Worth

As of September 2013, Warren Buffett's net worth had risen to $58.5 billion.

2017: Subject of Becoming Warren Buffett Documentary

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

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2018: Forbes' List of Billionaires

In 2018, after making almost $3.4 billion donations, Warren Buffett was ranked 3rd in the Forbes' List of Billionaires 2018.

2020: Comment on Inheritance Tax Repeal

In 2020, Warren Buffett expressed his disapproval of repealing the inheritance tax, likening it to choosing the Olympic team unfairly.

June 23, 2021: Resignation as Trustee of the Gates Foundation

Warren Buffett announced his resignation as a trustee of the Gates Foundation on June 23, 2021.

November 2022: Donation to Charitable Foundations

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

2023: Charitable Contributions

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

May 5, 2025: Appointment of Greg Abel as 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.