Warren Buffett Asked 'What Can I Possibly Do With Billions and Billions of Dollars?' — Sees No Reason To Own '6 Houses or 20 Cars'

Back in 2008—while the markets were melting down and Wall Street was reaching for antacids—Warren Buffett wasn't browsing Zillow or test-driving Lamborghinis. He was answering questions from students at the University of Western Ontario and casually dropping billionaire-level perspective like it was no big deal.

"What can I possibly do with billions and billions of dollars?" Buffett said. "I don't see the fuss in having six houses with greenskeepers; I don't see the fuss in having 20 cars in the garage."

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This wasn't the last time Buffett shrugged off the trappings of extreme wealth. In a 2012 interview with Charlie Rose, he was asked, "So no desire to have lots of, a lot of mansions around the world, a big boat—all those things that your wealth would allow you to do?" Buffett replied, "I have every possession I want. I have a lot of friends who have a lot more possessions. But in some cases, I feel the possessions possess them, rather than the other way around."

The man's worth over $164 billion and still lives in the same Omaha house he bought in 1958 for $31,500 and drives a 2014 Cadillac. While hedge fund managers chase private jets and penthouses, Buffett's idea of a splurge is a Coke and a McDonald's breakfast sandwich—preferably with exact change.

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He reminded students that it's not about stacking assets for show, but finding a life you actually enjoy waking up to. "The problem is not getting rich, but finding a game you enjoy and living a normal life," he said.

And if you think he's all dollars and spreadsheets, he pivoted from billion-dollar valuations to marriage advice without missing a beat. "The most important thing is finding the right spouse… If you make that one decision right I will guarantee you a good result in life."

Buffett's tone was relaxed, even playful. When asked what qualities to look for in a partner, he deadpanned: "Humor, looks, character, brains—or just someone with low expectations."

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While Wall Street churned through chaos, Buffett sat in Omaha telling a room full of business students that a satisfying life doesn't come with a dozen garages or live-in groundskeepers. It comes from doing what you love, treating money like a tool—not a trophy—and maybe marrying someone who thinks you're hilarious.

It may have been 17 years ago, but the wisdom still hits. Back when Buffett made those remarks, Facebook was still shiny and new, flip phones were king, and people were updating their Top 8 on MySpace. Now it's TikTok trends and digital real estate in the metaverse—but Buffett's message hasn't aged a day. In a world obsessed with more, he's proof that enough can actually be… enough.

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