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Famous Quote
When leverage works, it magnifies your gains. Your wife thinks you're clever, and your neighbors get envious. But leverage is addictive.
Year: 2010Source: 2010 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Letter

Context

Warning about the seductive dangers of borrowing to invest.

Topics

risk management leverage debt behavioral finance

About This Quote

This quote from Warren Buffett encapsulates a core principle of his investment and business philosophy. Spoken in 2010, it continues to resonate with investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders around the world.

Buffett's ability to distill complex financial and business concepts into memorable, quotable wisdom is one reason his annual letters and speeches are studied so widely. This particular quote touches on themes including risk management, leverage, debt, demonstrating the interconnected nature of his thinking across investing, business management, and life.

For more Buffett wisdom on related topics, explore our collection of quotes, shareholder letters, and recommended books.