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The most common cause of low prices is pessimism—sometimes pervasive, sometimes specific to a company or industry. We want to do business in such an environment, not because we like pessimism but because we like the prices it produces.
Year: 1990Source: 1990 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Letter

Context

Explaining Berkshire's willingness to invest during periods of maximum pessimism.

Topics

contrarian market psychology investing opportunity

About This Quote

This quote from Warren Buffett encapsulates a core principle of his investment and business philosophy. Spoken in 1990, 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 contrarian, market psychology, 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.