151 Best Warren Buffett Quotes (with Commentary)

Warren Buffett is one of the most successful investors in the world. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” he has shared many wise words throughout his career. His quotes are not just about investing; they also offer valuable lessons for everyday life. Whether you’re a student, a worker, or just someone looking to improve, these quotes can inspire you.

Top Warren Buffett Quotes

Words of wisdom can reframe your approach to risk, patience, and values; Buffett’s sayings condense complex truths into memorable lines that change how you act and think. Reflect on these to sharpen judgment and steady purpose.

“Rule No. 1: Never lose money. Rule No. 2: Never forget rule No.1.”Warren Buffett

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.”Warren Buffett

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”Warren Buffett

“It’s far better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.”Warren Buffett

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself.”Warren Buffett

“Our favorite holding period is forever.”Warren Buffett

“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.”Warren Buffett

“Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.”Warren Buffett

“You only have to do a very few things right in your life so long as you don’t do too many things wrong.”Warren Buffett

“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”Warren Buffett

Also Read: Best Sorry For Your Loss Quotes (with Commentary)

Warren Buffett Quotes on Investing

Investing wisdom often contrasts calm patience with market noise. These lines teach discipline, valuation focus, and the emotional steadiness needed to grow wealth over years rather than chasing short-term wins.

“Investing is simple but not easy; it requires temperament more than intellect.”Warren Buffett

“Diversification is protection against ignorance. It makes little sense if you know what you are doing.”Warren Buffett

“Look for businesses with enduring competitive advantages and managers you can trust.”Warren Buffett

“The stock market is designed to transfer money from the impatient to the patient.”Warren Buffett

“Watch the companies you invest in like you would watch a garden — care, time, and the right conditions deliver growth.”Warren Buffett

“Never invest in a business you cannot understand.”Warren Buffett

“Short-term market movements are noise; true investors tune into underlying business performance.”Warren Buffett

“Buy when sensible businesses are selling at silly prices; sell when they are priced for perfection.”Warren Buffett

“Your goal as an investor should be to make rational decisions with a margin of safety.”Warren Buffett

“Successful investing is anticipating the anticipations of others.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Value

Value is the cornerstone of enduring success. These thoughts emphasize intrinsic worth over flashy metrics, reminding you to look deeper than headlines to what truly sustains a business or choice.

“Intrinsic value is what a business is really worth to a knowledgeable buyer.”Warren Buffett

“A bargain is not a bargain unless it represents value after careful study.”Warren Buffett

“Buying quality at a fair price beats buying mediocrity at a discount.”Warren Buffett

“Value investing is the marriage of a contrarian streak and a calculator.”Warren Buffett

“The key to investing is determining the intrinsic value of a business and paying a lot less.”Ben Graham

“Price fluctuations are your friend if you focus on value instead of panic.”Warren Buffett

“Good companies will continue to create value long after short-term fears pass.”Warren Buffett

“Value compounds when you let superior economics work for you through time.”Warren Buffett

“Understanding value lets you ignore the herd and act with conviction.”Warren Buffett

“Look for the margin of safety—the difference between price and real worth.”Benjamin Graham

Warren Buffett Quotes on Patience

Patience separates impulsive action from deliberate success. These sayings show how waiting, when combined with intelligence, yields the richest returns and the clearest judgment.

“The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.”Warren Buffett

“Time is the friend of the wonderful company, the enemy of the mediocre.”Warren Buffett

“Good things come to those who wait—and invest wisely over decades.”Warren Buffett

“Most people needlessly chase quick wins; the best investors seek lasting gains.”Warren Buffett

“If you’re not willing to own a stock for ten years, don’t even think about owning it for ten minutes.”Warren Buffett

“Patience is not passive; it’s concentrated strength applied over time.”Warren Buffett

“Let compounding do its magic by giving it time and consistency.”Warren Buffett

“Success often waits for the stubborn and disciplined, not the flashy and hurried.”Warren Buffett

“Waiting for the right opportunity is itself a competitive advantage.”Warren Buffett

“Endurance beats effort that lacks direction.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Risk

Risk is unavoidable, but understanding and managing it defines outcomes. These lines highlight the difference between volatility and true danger, and the importance of knowledge before exposure.

“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.”Warren Buffett

“Volatility is a fact of market life; permanent loss is a failure of judgment.”Warren Buffett

“Never risk what you need for what you don’t need.”Warren Buffett

“The first rule of risk: don’t let temporary fear make you lose sight of fundamentals.”Warren Buffett

“Insurance and hedges protect against catastrophe, but clarity protects against foolishness.”Warren Buffett

“Conservative capital preservation is how fortunes survive bad times.”Warren Buffett

“Understand the downside before dreaming of the upside.”Warren Buffett

“Risk is manageable when you know a business and its durable economics.”Warren Buffett

“Avoid leverage unless you want to amplify both gains and the chance of ruin.”Warren Buffett

“Smart investors measure risk in terms of permanent impairment, not headline noise.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Business

Great businesses are built on margins, culture, and long-term thinking. These sayings point to what makes companies durable and worth owning for the long run.

“You want a business with a wide moat around it, protecting profits for decades.”Warren Buffett

“The best business is one that earns high returns on capital without requiring much capital.”Warren Buffett

“Good management thinks like an owner, not a gambler.”Warren Buffett

“Focus on economic characteristics: predictability, pricing power, and efficiency.”Warren Buffett

“Reputation and integrity are assets that can’t be bought back after they’re gone.”Warren Buffett

“A business that can increase earnings during a downturn is one to cherish.”Warren Buffett

“Invest in companies with simple, understandable models that generate free cash flow.”Warren Buffett

“The competitive advantage often lies in brand strength, distribution, or unique scale.”Warren Buffett

“Think of a company as a perpetual cash machine; the machine matters more than the moment.”Warren Buffett

“Buy businesses that are so good that an idiot can run them, because someday an idiot will.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Money

Money is a tool, not a goal. These remarks focus on stewardship, how wealth should empower purpose, and the dangers of confusing money with happiness.

“If you get to my age in life and nobody thinks well of you, I don’t care how big your bank account is — your life is a disaster.”Warren Buffett

“Do not save what is left after spending; spend what is left after saving.”Warren Buffett

“Wealth is the transfer of money from the impatient to the patient.”Warren Buffett

“Price is what you pay; wealth is what you keep through prudent decisions.”Warren Buffett

“The more you learn about money management, the less likely you’ll be to squander it.”Warren Buffett

“Money can be a wonderful servant but a dangerous master.”Warren Buffett

“Having a lot of money doesn’t change who you are, it just gives you more choices.”Warren Buffett

“Aim to make enough so you can do what you want, not so you can impress others.”Warren Buffett

“Good fortune comes to those who live below their means and invest wisely.”Warren Buffett

“Wealth creation is a byproduct of sensible behavior over time.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Life Lessons

Buffett’s principles apply beyond markets: focus, honesty, and relations shape a meaningful life. These lines encourage purposeful living and steady character development.

“The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.”Warren Buffett

“You can’t make a good deal with a bad person.”Warren Buffett

“Surround yourself with people better than you and you’ll drift upward.”Warren Buffett

“Opportunities come infrequently; when it rains gold, put out the bucket, not the thimble.”Warren Buffett

“Honesty is a very expensive gift; don’t expect it from cheap people.”Warren Buffett

“Beware the investment activity that produces applause; the great moves are usually quiet.”Warren Buffett

“The greatest gift you can give someone is your time and attention.”Warren Buffett

“Do the right thing, even if it’s costly in the short term.”Warren Buffett

“Life is like a snowball: you must find the right hill and roll hard.”Warren Buffett

“Choose your associates wisely; they shape your habits and destiny.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Leadership

Leadership requires clarity, integrity, and the courage to choose long-term value over short-term applause. These quotes outline traits that separate effective leaders from mere managers.

“Hire well, and then leave them alone to do what’s right.”Warren Buffett

“Respect for people and honesty are the foundation of sustained leadership.”Warren Buffett

“The best leaders are teachers who organize complex ideas into simple action.”Warren Buffett

“Don’t delegate your ethics; set the tone from the top.”Warren Buffett

“Leaders who focus on long-term value build companies that survive generations.”Warren Buffett

“Give managers autonomy and hold them accountable by results, not by process.”Warren Buffett

“A leader’s reputation is built over years and can be lost in a moment.”Warren Buffett

“Good managers think like owners; they act with stewardship over capital and people.”Warren Buffett

“Clear priorities and relentless focus are the leader’s best tools.”Warren Buffett

“Lead by example — your actions define the culture more than your words.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Decision Making

Great decisions combine knowledge, temperament, and the courage to act. These sayings highlight the processes that lead to better choices, both in business and life.

“Think independently; follow the facts and not the crowd.”Warren Buffett

“The best moves are often the ones you make after careful thought, not in the heat of the moment.”Warren Buffett

“Make decisions like you have a 10-year horizon, and you’ll avoid many foolish trades.”Warren Buffett

“Simplicity and common sense beat complexity every time.”Warren Buffett

“Know your circle of competence and stick within it; that’s where your best decisions live.”Warren Buffett

“Avoid decisions driven by emotion; let reason and facts guide you.”Warren Buffett

“When in doubt, pause and gather more information rather than rushing to act.”Warren Buffett

“Good decision-making comes from experience, and experience often comes from bad decisions.”Warren Buffett

“A few big decisions will shape your life far more than many small ones.”Warren Buffett

“Keep a checklist of principles to avoid repeating the same mistakes.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Partnerships

Partnerships succeed when rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and aligned incentives. These quotes reflect Buffett’s views on building lasting collaborations and trustworthy alliances.

“You can’t make good deals with bad people.”Warren Buffett

“Find partners who share your long-term mindset and ethical standards.”Warren Buffett

“The right partner amplifies strengths and covers weaknesses, creating a whole greater than parts.”Warren Buffett

“Trust is the currency of partnerships; without it nothing valuable endures.”Warren Buffett

“Choose collaborators who value integrity above short-term gain.”Warren Buffett

“Partnerships should have aligned incentives so everyone benefits from long-term success.”Warren Buffett

“A good partner admits mistakes quickly and learns from them.”Charlie Munger

“Build relationships where honesty is rewarded and blame is rare.”Warren Buffett

“Shared vision matters more than matched resumes when forging alliances.”Warren Buffett

“The best partnerships are founded on mutual admiration and practical complementarity.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Reading and Learning

Lifelong learning is Buffett’s secret weapon. These lines celebrate curiosity, the discipline of reading, and continuous improvement as the foundation of exceptional judgment.

“Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works; it builds up, like compound interest.”Warren Buffett

“The more you learn, the more you earn—the compounding of knowledge is powerful.”Warren Buffett

“Learning from others accelerates your growth more than solving every problem alone.”Warren Buffett

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they educate without ego.”Warren Buffett

“Absorb ideas from many places, then distill them into your own clear thinking.”Warren Buffett

“Invest in your intellect; it’s the asset that appreciates and never gets taxed away.”Warren Buffett

“Study the greats, but always test their lessons against reality.”Warren Buffett

“Curiosity, followed by disciplined reading, creates exceptional judgment.”Warren Buffett

“Continuous learning keeps you adaptable in a changing world.”Warren Buffett

“If you’re not spending several hours a day reading, you’re missing a major advantage.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Humility

Humility allows leaders to learn, correct course, and build trust. These sayings emphasize modesty, admitting mistakes, and the quiet strength of low ego.

“It’s good to learn from your mistakes; it’s better to learn from other people’s.”Warren Buffett

“Admit when you are wrong and move on—pride is a costly burden.”Warren Buffett

“I always knew I was going to be rich. I don’t think I ever doubted it for a minute—but humility keeps you learning.”Warren Buffett

“Recognize the limits of your knowledge and you will avoid many errors.”Warren Buffett

“Humility opens the door to correction and continued improvement.”Warren Buffett

“A wise investor knows when to pause and ask for advice.”Warren Buffett

“Successful people are often humble; ego gets in the way of good decisions.”Warren Buffett

“Celebrate wins quietly; humility sustains long-term respect.”Warren Buffett

“The smartest people are those who remain learners throughout life.”Warren Buffett

“Don’t be proud of beating others; be proud of improving yourself.”Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett Quotes on Success

Success is reframed here as the result of consistency, character, and the compounding of wise choices. These quotes guide how to pursue achievements without losing perspective.

“Success in business often comes down to the consistency of your values and actions.”Warren Buffett

“The secret to success is simple: work hard, be ethical, and invest patiently.”Warren Buffett

“True success is making a difference without needing applause.”Warren Buffett

“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”Warren Buffett

“Build lasting success by earning trust, delivering results, and staying humble.”Warren Buffett

“Measure success by the number of people you help, not the size of your bank account.”Warren Buffett

“Consistent, small advantages compound into remarkable outcomes over time.”Warren Buffett

“Find work you love and you’ll never feel like you are chasing success; you’ll be living it.”Warren Buffett

“Fortune favors those who prepare, persist, and keep character intact.”Warren Buffett

“Long-term success is rarely glamorous; it is the steady application of good habits.”Warren Buffett

Final Thoughts

Warren Buffett’s quotes distill a lifetime of observation into clear, actionable wisdom. They teach that success in investing and life is less about flashy moves and more about character, discipline, and thoughtful patience. Applying these principles can help you build not only wealth, but a reputation and life you can be proud of.

Buffett reminds us that knowledge, modesty, and a long-term perspective are often the best differentiators in a noisy world. By focusing on value, avoiding unnecessary risk, and investing in continuous learning, you create conditions for compounding success. Let these quotes be prompts to refine habits, choose partners wisely, and remain humble as you grow.

Interested in more inspiring collections? Explore our take on Think Big Quotes for bold motivation, or read about leadership in sports with our Bill Belichick Quotes piece to see discipline and strategy in action.