At the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting in Omaha, Warren Buffett shared timeless insights on the importance of patience in investing—one of the core principles that has shaped his legendary career.
Buffett acknowledged that while certain market situations require quick decisions, true investment success often lies in the ability to wait for the right moment. “There are times when you’ll have to act fast. In fact, we made a great deal of money because we were willing to act faster than anybody around,” Buffett said.
However, he emphasized that speed must be balanced with readiness and restraint. “It’s a combination of patience and willingness to act… if the opportunity comes to you, you shouldn’t hesitate. But you also don’t want to waste time on ideas or deals that will never materialize,” he added.
Highlighting the approach at Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett praised his top executives Ajit Jain and Greg Abel for their disciplined and patient evaluation of opportunities. He cautioned that while patience is often seen as passive, it’s actually an active process filled with preparation.
“I think that goes for Ajit also and all our managers—we’re very patient when evaluating opportunities. But during that time, we are constantly reading, analyzing, and preparing. When something worthwhile comes along, we’re ready to act immediately. That’s the power of patience,” said Buffett.
Reflecting on the firm’s culture, Buffett also mentioned that trust has played a pivotal role in the firm’s enduring success over the last six to seven decades.
He noted that from the very beginning, he avoided partnering with institutions or so-called professional investors. “I never wanted an institution. I wanted people who knew what had to be done—without needing presentations every few months. That’s what we built, and that’s why we’ve been able to stay true to our approach,” Buffett said.
Buffett’s message was clear: in a world driven by short-term gains and rapid trades, the best results often come to those who wait—and prepare.
