As billionaire investor Warren Buffett begins a historic transition of power at Berkshire Hathaway this month, handing the reins to his successor Greg Abel, the timeless wisdom of the Oracle of Omaha is capturing fresh attention online. Amid the succession news, one piece of profound life advice, which Buffett himself credits to his late business partner Charlie Munger, is resonating deeply on social media platforms.
The Viral Wisdom: Live Backwards from Your Obituary
A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, recently highlighted that one of Buffett's key mantras for avoiding major life mistakes was not originally his own. The advice was a gift from his dear friend and longtime vice-chairman at Berkshire, Charlie Munger, who passed away on 29 November 2023. The core philosophy is both retrospective and thoughtful: “Write your obituary the way you want it written and then live your life accordingly.”
Buffett publicly endorsed this approach during the 2023 Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting press conference. When asked how to avoid significant errors in life, the 95-year-old investing legend pointed directly to Munger's guidance.
“If I had one piece of advice, I would sort of use Charlie's advice: Thinking out your obituary to read and then start selecting the educational paths, the social paths… you know, whatever (it is) that you're particular situation in terms of associating (pursuing),” Buffett told the audience. He further emphasized the advantage of living in the United States, calling opportunities there “basically limitless.”
Munger's Philosophy on Grabbing Life's Advantages
In one of his final interviews with CNBC in November 2023, Charlie Munger elaborated on this unique perspective. He revealed that he had advised Buffett to “write his obituary the way he wants it written and then live his life accordingly. Look at things, and live backwards.” Munger noted that starting at the end was “not a bad idea.”
He shared his personal take on the matter with characteristic bluntness: “I’ve written my obituary the way I’ve lived my life, and if you want to pay attention to it, it’s alright with me. And if they want to ignore it, that’s OK with me too. I’ll be dead.” Munger also touched on his success, attributing it to recognizing and seizing unfair advantages throughout his life, from youth to old age, with a simple “boom, boom, boom.”
Legacy Beyond Investment: A Blueprint for Living
The viral resurgence of this advice underscores that the legacy of Buffett and Munger extends far beyond stock picks and corporate earnings. As the world watches the formal changing of the guard at one of history's most successful conglomerates, the partners' shared wisdom on intentional living is becoming their most enduring lesson for the public. The 'obituary exercise' forces a clarity of purpose, urging individuals to define their legacy first and then make daily choices that align with that ultimate vision.
This moment marks not just a corporate succession but a celebration of a philosophical partnership. While Greg Abel will now steer Berkshire Hathaway's future, the life principles championed by Buffett and Munger continue to offer a powerful framework for personal and professional decision-making for millions in India and across the globe.
