If the world couldn't see your results, would you rather be thought of as the world's greatest investor but in reality have the world's worst record? Or be thought of as the world's worst investor when you were actually the best?
Warren BuffettRead
I have no views as to where it will be, but the one thing I can tell you is it won't do anything between now and then except look at you. Whereas, you know, Coca-Cola (KO) will be making money, and I think Wells Fargo (WFC) will be making a lot of money and there will be a lot - and it's a lot - it's a lot better to have a goose that keeps laying eggs than a goose that just sits there and eats insurance and storage and a few things like that.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of investing in assets that are productive rather than passive.
Warren Buffett highlights the importance of investing in profitable ventures that generate continuous income ('laying eggs') as opposed to holding onto assets that do not provide value or returns over time. By drawing comparisons to companies like Coca-Cola and Wells Fargo, he illustrates his belief in prioritizing investments that actively contribute to wealth creation.
Themes
InvestmentProfitsAssetsWealthIncome
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote when discussing investment strategies at a financial seminar.
More from Warren Buffett
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The most common cause of low prices is pessimism - some times pervasive, some times specific to a company or industry. We want to do business in such an environment, not because we like pessimism but because we like the prices it produces. It's optimism that is the enemy of the rational buyer.
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One’s objective should be to get it right, get it quick, get it out and get it over. Your problem won’t improve with age.
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Accounting is the language of business.
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