Warren Buffett's Success Mantra: 'The Amount You Are Loved Is The Ultimate Measure Of Success In Life'

This story is part of a new series of features on the subject of success, Benzinga Inspire.

Warren Buffett is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential business icons ever. He is known for his investment prowess, unique personal values, and management style.

Buffett is famous for his simple and down-to-earth approach to business and investing, and his emphasis on long-term thinking and value creation. He is also known for his strong moral compass and commitment to integrity, which has earned him a reputation as one of the world's most trustworthy and respected business leaders.

Buffett's success and influence have made him a role model for many entrepreneurs and investors. His words of wisdom are often quoted and studied by students and professionals worldwide.

In 2001, Buffett gave a presentation at the University of Georgia, and students asked him about his definition of success. 

Alice Schroeder wrote about Buffett's presentation at the university in her biography of the Oracle of Omaha - "The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life."

Also Read: Why Warren Buffett's 1999 Warning Still Applies Today

Speaking about success, Buffett said, "When you're nearing your end of life, your only measure of success should be the number of people you want to have love you actually do love you."

"I know people who have a lot of money, and they get testimonial dinners, and they get hospital wings named after them. But the truth is that nobody in the world loves them," Buffett told students. "If you get to my age in life and nobody thinks well of you, I don't care how big your bank account is; your life is a disaster." 

He added that the amount you are loved, not your wealth or accomplishments, is the ultimate measure of success in life.

"The problem with love is that it's not for sale," Buffett said. "The only way to get love is to be lovable. It's very irritating if you have a lot of money. You'd like to think you could write a check: I'll buy a million dollars worth of love. But it doesn't work that way. The more you give love away, the more you get."

Another Buffett biographer, Carol J. Loomis, who wrote "Tap Dancing to Work: Warren Buffett on Practically Everything," mentioned that Buffett once said, "I love every day. I mean, I tap dance in here and work with nothing but people I like. There is no job in the world that is more fun than running Berkshire Hathaway Inc., and I count myself lucky to be where I am."

Now Read: Warren Buffet Has This Advice For Younger Generations: Don't Let 'Rust Eat Away At It'

Photo: thetaxhaven on flickr