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Famous Quote
Only when the tide goes out do you discover who's been swimming naked.
Year: 2001Source: 2001 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Letter

Context

On how market downturns reveal which businesses and investors were overleveraged or poorly managed.

Topics

risk management market psychology crisis investing

About This Quote

This quote from Warren Buffett encapsulates a core principle of his investment and business philosophy. Spoken in 2001, 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, market psychology, crisis, 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.