Warren Buffett Says He'd Be 'Very Happy' To Have This One Word On His Tombstone Describing Him – And It's Not Related To Investing

Warren Buffett Says He'd Be ‘Very Happy' To Have This One Word On His Tombstone Describing Him – And It's Not Related To Family Or Investing

Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, isn't just about stocks and dollar signs. In fact, if you asked him how he'd like to be remembered, his answer might surprise you. 

According to a 2017 CNBC article, Buffett said in a Forbes 100th anniversary magazine issue he'd be "very happy" if just one word appeared on his tombstone: Teacher. That's it. Not "Billionaire," not "Investor," not even "Philanthropist." Just Teacher.

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This sentiment gets to the heart of who Buffett really is. Sure, he's built one of the largest fortunes in history, but he's spent just as much time sharing what he knows with others. Whether he's writing his iconic shareholder letters, giving candid interviews or mentoring young investors, Buffett's always been more about giving wisdom than hoarding secrets.

According to the article, Buffett credits much of his success to the people who taught him – and it's a pretty remarkable list. 

His father, Howard H. Buffett, wasn't just the one who introduced him to investing – he was also the source of some of the best advice Buffett ever received: "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 20 minutes to lose it. If you remember that, you'll do things differently." Howard's influence ran deep in Buffett's life. In fact, Buffett credits him with being the reason he even attended college. As he told Forbes, "If he'd been a shoe salesperson, I might be a shoe salesperson now."

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Then there's Benjamin Graham, the so-called "Father of Value Investing," whose book The Intelligent Investor Buffett read at age 19 and calls life-changing. 

And of course, there was his late wife, Susan Buffett, who he says taught him how to open up emotionally and connect with the world. He often credits Susan as the driving force behind his philanthropic efforts. 

But for Buffett, teaching isn't just about business. He's often talked about living by your "inner scorecard" – doing what's right and meaningful, regardless of what others think. "The true measure of wealth is how many people love you," he's said, adding that honesty and treating people well have been more valuable to his success than any financial strategy.

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It's this philosophy that defines Buffett's legacy. His annual letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders are famous for their investing advice and the life lessons they offer. He also strongly believes in philanthropy, pledging to give away the bulk of his wealth and inspiring others to do the same. As co-director of the HBO documentary Becoming Warren Buffett, Peter Kunhardt put it: "Warren believes that honesty has paid off much more than being sleazy or dishonest ever could."

So, when Buffett says he wants to be remembered as a teacher, it's not just about passing on investing tips. It's about making a lasting impact, shaping people’s thinking and improving the world – one lesson at a time.

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