A recent anecdote shared by Warren Buffett shed light on his dynamic with Charlie Munger, revealing a humorous moment where Buffett mistakenly believed Munger had a hearing problem, only to find the oversight was his own. This story, resurfacing after Munger's passing, underscores the deep personal and professional bond between the two investment legends. Munger's absence at Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting marked the end of an era, reflecting on his profound impact on the company's investment philosophy and his legacy of sharp, witty commentary on finance and human behavior.
The Humorous Misunderstanding of Hearing
Warren Buffett shared a memorable story about a comical misunderstanding with his longtime business partner, Charlie Munger, during Berkshire Hathaway's 2014 annual shareholder meeting. Buffett initially suspected Munger, then in his nineties, was experiencing hearing loss and even sought medical advice on how to address the delicate situation. The doctor suggested a simple diagnostic method: speak to Munger from varying distances to assess his responsiveness. Buffett recalled meticulously following these steps, beginning from across the room, then moving closer, repeatedly posing an investment question about purchasing General Motors shares. Despite his efforts, Munger appeared unresponsive.
The punchline, delivered by Munger with characteristic deadpan wit, revealed the truth: after Buffett's third attempt, Munger simply stated, "For the third time, yes." This moment highlighted that it was Buffett, not Munger, who had failed to register Munger's earlier affirmations. The tale, enduring through the years, perfectly encapsulates the unique blend of humor and deep understanding that characterized their partnership. It also serves as a poignant reminder of Munger's sharp intellect and quick wit, even as his health progressed. This story resonates especially now, marking a significant moment in the narrative of their collaboration.
A Legacy Beyond the Laughs: Munger's Enduring Impact
The recent Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting was notably significant as it was the first since Charlie Munger's passing in November 2023 at the age of 99. His absence created a palpable void, ending decades of joint appearances with Warren Buffett, where they offered invaluable investment wisdom, candid humor, and insightful perspectives that consistently attracted thousands of shareholders globally. Munger's partnership with Buffett, which began in 1959, was instrumental in redefining Berkshire's investment strategy. He notably steered Buffett away from the "cigar-butt" approach of investing in struggling companies solely based on their low price, advocating instead for the acquisition of high-quality businesses at equitable valuations.
Munger's influence extended far beyond his role as Berkshire's vice chairman; he also held positions at Daily Journal Corp. and Costco. He was renowned for his direct and insightful commentary on financial markets, human psychology, and even emerging technologies like cryptocurrencies. Born on January 1, 1924, Munger's diverse background included serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a meteorologist, a discipline he continued to study at Caltech. His legacy is one of unwavering integrity, profound insight, and a distinct, often blunt, sense of humor that left an indelible mark on the investment community and beyond. His contributions profoundly shaped Berkshire Hathaway's enduring success and investment philosophy.