Books Recommended by Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors, is known for his lifelong commitment to learning. When he’s not making billion-dollar deals, you’ll likely find him immersed in a good book. His reading habits have become legendary, and over the years, he’s recommended several books that have had a profound impact on his thinking and success.
If you’re looking to sharpen your investment skills, expand your business knowledge, or gain insights into life, here are some books that Buffett believes can make a difference.
The Power of Lifelong Learning
One thing to know about Warren Buffett is that he spends a significant portion of his day reading. He famously said, “I just sit in my office and read all day.” This dedication to continual learning is one of the cornerstones of his success, and it reflects in the books he recommends.
“The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
Buffett has often described “The Intelligent Investor” as “the best book on investing ever written.” Authored by Benjamin Graham, Buffett’s mentor at Columbia Business School, this book lays the foundation for value investing—a strategy Buffett has used to build his empire. The principles of buying undervalued stocks and maintaining a long-term outlook are central to Buffett’s own investment philosophy. If you want to think like Buffett, starting with this classic is a must.
“Business Adventures” by John Brooks
Another favorite on Buffett’s list is “Business Adventures,” a collection of twelve stories from the world of business. Buffett once shared this book with Bill Gates, who also became a fan. The stories cover significant moments in business history, from corporate scandals to triumphs, and they offer timeless lessons in leadership, risk-taking, and decision-making. Even though the book was first published in 1969, its insights are still relevant today.
“Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits” by Philip Fisher
Warren Buffett has called Philip Fisher’s “Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits” a must-read for anyone looking to understand the qualitative side of investing. While Buffett’s strategy is largely based on Graham’s value investing, he acknowledges that Fisher’s focus on the quality of businesses and their management helped shape his approach. This book dives into evaluating companies’ long-term potential, something that has become a cornerstone of Buffett’s philosophy.
“The Essays of Warren Buffett”
While Buffett tends to recommend books by other authors, “The Essays of Warren Buffett” is a collection of his own wisdom, culled from his annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Edited by Lawrence Cunningham, this book provides a look into Buffett’s thoughts on corporate governance, finance, investing, and life in general. It’s a great way to get direct insights into how Buffett thinks and approaches the business world.
The Importance of Consistency
One of the overarching themes in Buffett’s reading recommendations is consistency. Whether you’re reading about investment strategies or business case studies, the importance of maintaining a steady, disciplined approach is clear. Buffett’s success didn’t come from short-term gains, but from decades of following the principles he learned from the books he read early in his career.
Warren Buffett’s book recommendations aren’t just about investments—they’re a window into how he views life itself. Whether you’re into finance or not, these books can help you think more deeply, make smarter decisions, and just get a better handle on how the world works.
The best part? These books are for anyone, not just Wall Street pros. They cover everything from business strategy to human behavior, so no matter where you’re at in life, you’ll find something valuable. When you pick up one of these, you’re essentially stepping into Buffett’s shoes, seeing things from his perspective. So why not grab a book and start learning from the man who’s mastered the art of success?
