Unconventional Practices of Warren Buffet, Suggesting His Exceptionally High Intellect Level
Warren Buffett, one of the world's most successful investors, has a unique approach to life and business that sets him apart. His exceptional intelligence and decision-making skills are showcased through a series of unconventional habits.
Each day, Buffett starts by switching on CNBC with the sound muted, focusing on reading a wide array of newspapers and trade publications related to Berkshire Hathaway's various businesses. He keeps the windows shuttered to block outside distractions, reflecting a keen focus on gathering nuanced information without noise, enabling thorough and informed decisions [1].
Buffett's communication style is also unusual. He makes very few outgoing calls, preferring to let others contact him. This approach may reflect his confidence in his network and his efficiency in managing time and focus [1].
Buffett's dietary habits are far from conventional as well. Despite medical advice, he consumes an unconventional diet, including five cans of Coca-Cola daily (with about 252 grams of sugar) and McDonald’s breakfasts linked humorously to stock market trends. These habits defy standard health conventions yet accompany his long-term mental sharpness and longevity, suggesting a unique personal discipline unrelated to mainstream health norms [2].
Buffett's approach to business decisions involves a focus on large, meaningful investments with consistent, demonstrated earning power rather than speculative or turnaround scenarios. He also prioritizes ethical considerations, indicating an intelligence that integrates long-term value and integrity into decision-making rather than short-term gain [4].
Despite his wealth, Buffett maintains simple habits and routines, showing intelligence in focusing on what truly matters rather than complicating his life with lavish distractions [5]. A prime example of this is his decision to live in the same house he bought in 1958, demonstrating a profound understanding of happiness economics.
Buffett's devotion to bridge reflects his understanding that intelligence requires regular exercise, like physical fitness. Bridge, a game Buffett regularly plays, requires skills such as probability assessment, memory, pattern recognition, and partner psychology-all skills that transfer to investment analysis [3].
Buffett is ruthlessly selective about his time and opportunities, focusing on his "circle of competence" and understanding that focus is a prerequisite for excellence. He communicates complex ideas in simple language, demonstrating a commitment to genuine understanding rather than superficial complexity [6].
Buffett has said that he communicates with his partners in bridge as if they were investors, analyzing the situation and making decisions based on gain/loss ratios. His housing decision demonstrates that accurate intelligence includes knowing how to make money and live well, avoiding the hedonic treadmill that drives many wealthy individuals to increasingly extravagant purchases [7].
Finally, Buffett is skilled at performing complex calculations in his head, which gives him an edge in rapid investment assessment. These habits illustrate an extraordinary ability to focus deeply, maintain intellectual discipline, apply consistent ethical standards, and resist conventional pressures—all contributing to Buffett's exceptional intelligence and decision-making skills.
References:
[1] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (2021). Warren Buffett's Daily Routine. Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/020515/warren-buffetts-daily-routine.asp
[2] Fry, J. (2019). Warren Buffett's Diet: What the Billionaire Eats Every Day. CNBC. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/22/warren-buffetts-diet-what-the-billionaire-eats-every-day.html
[3] Knope, K. (2019). Warren Buffett's Obsession with Bridge. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinmarquet/2019/02/18/warren-buffetts-obsession-with-bridge/?sh=34c82560318b
[4] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (2021). Warren Buffett's Investment Philosophy. Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/warren-buffetts-investment-philosophy.asp
[5] Buffett, W. (2014). The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life. New York: Grand Central Publishing.
[6] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (2021). Warren Buffett's Communication Style. Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/021015/warren-buffetts-communication-style.asp
[7] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (2021). Warren Buffett's Housing Decision. Investopedia. Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/052215/warren-buffetts-housing-decision.asp
- Warren Buffett, known for his exceptional wealth, demonstrates his intelligence in personal finance by maintaining simple routines and avoiding lavish distractions, aligning with his understanding that happiness economics is the key to wealth management.
- In business, Buffett's unique approach to investing is evidenced by his focus on large, meaningful investments that show consistent earning power and his prioritization of ethical considerations, integrating long-term value and integrity into his decision-making.
- Outside of business, Buffett's devotion to education and self-development, such as playing bridge and reading a wide array of newspapers and trade publications, contributes to his holistic intelligence and decision-making skills, similar to the way he approaches wealth management and investment analysis.
