It is undoubtedly the end of an era. Charlie Munger, a titan of the investment world and a visionary in business leadership, died on November 28, 2023, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 99. He was a man whose life and career were inextricably linked with that of investment legend Warren Buffett, his long-time business partner and friend. He would have turned 100 on New Year’s Day.
Munger’s journey from his humble beginnings, working for Buffett’s grandfather for a mere 20 cents an hour during the Great Depression, to his role as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway is a testament to his extraordinary intellect, work ethic, and investment acumen. His contributions to Berkshire Hathaway were immense, helping transform it into a global investment powerhouse. His partnership with Buffett was not just a business alliance but a deep, mutual respect and understanding that shaped the fortunes of Berkshire Hathaway and, by extension, the broader world of finance.
In early 2023, his fortune was estimated at $2.3 billion, vastly smaller than Warren Buffett’s unfathomable fortune, which is estimated at more than $100 billion.
His passing truly signifies the end of an era. Charlie Munger was not just Warren Buffett‘s confidante; he was a mentor, a philosopher, and a guiding light to countless investors and business leaders worldwide. The international media reported that his wisdom, wit, and insights into the nature of investing and business will be deeply missed.
