Warren Buffett’s Wisdom Found with Age
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise person listens to advice. ”
As people get older, they tend to reflect on their lives and recognize their joys and sorrows. The rich and famous “oracle from Omaha,” Warren Buffet, describes what is essential in life. While I don’t like the title of Marcel Schwantes’s article, “Warren Buffett Believes 3 Choices in Life Separate Winners and Losers,” I do like Buffett’s reflections, which are less about winners and losers, and more about what ultimately matters in life.
Buffett’s first recommendation is, “1. Build up your knowledge—one day at a time.” Knowledge and wisdom are a gift, and using your abilities to honor God and for the greater good is a divine call and responsibility. “2. Don’t compromise your integrity” is Buffett’s second means of providing meaning in life. Money is a gift, but without integrity, it becomes a hollow blessing. Integrity is the means of finding self-respect and respect from others. Integrity allows us to live and die and live eternally with a feeling of “a job well done.” Not perfect, but well done.
The third of Buffett’s recommendations is what he calls his “ultimate test.” Buffett elaborates, “When you get to my age, you’ll really measure your successes in life by how many of the people you want to have love you actually do love you. That’s the ultimate test of how you have lived your life. The more you give love away, the more you get.” Society often teaches us to grab all we can get from life, even if it means stepping on others to get it. Buffett reminds us love is worth more of your time than an extra zero on a paycheck.
Buffett reminds us of the truth in the adage, “you can’t take it with you.” Money isn’t the way to lasting meaning. We all experience joys and sorrows, but those who follow Buffett’s recommendations will make a lasting difference in the lives of their family and so many others. Supporting others and enjoying their endeavors brings a joy wealth alone can never provide.
