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Famous Quote
Only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.
Year: 1997Source: 1997 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Letter

Context

Framing stock ownership as business ownership with no exit option.

Topics

investing long term value investing patience

About This Quote

This quote from Warren Buffett encapsulates a core principle of his investment and business philosophy. Spoken in 1997, 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 investing, long term, value investing, 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.