'I've Made No Sacrifice' — Warren Buffett Has Given Away $60 Billion But Says Giving Time Is More 'Admirable': 'I've Done Little Of That'

Most people would think giving away $60 billion qualifies as the ultimate sacrifice. Warren Buffett disagrees.

While many admire Buffett for his record-setting philanthropy, the 94-year-old billionaire insists he's given up nothing at all. In fact, he believes those who give their time—not just their money—are the true heroes. And in a rare moment of reflection, he openly admits he hasn't done nearly enough of that.

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"The easiest deed in the world is to give away money that will never be of any real use to you or your family," Buffett wrote in a 2021 statement accompanying his annual contribution of Berkshire Hathaway BRK BRK.B)) shares. 

"I've made no sacrifice nor has my family." He credited his fortune not to hard trade-offs or deprivation, but to "compound interest, a long runway, wonderful associates and our incredible country."

Buffett, who pledged to give away more than 99% of his Berkshire Hathaway shares, reached a milestone that year—distributing $4.1 billion, marking the halfway point to this goal. Yet, despite the billions, he acknowledged: "A much more admirable form of philanthropy than mine involves the giving of personal time and effort. I've done little of that."

Instead, Buffett has long admitted he chose what he calls the "wholesale" approach to giving. Large checks, strategic donations, and delegating the hard work to major foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he served as an inactive trustee until 2021. 

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His sister, Doris, took the opposite path. She practiced what Buffett called "retail" philanthropy—personally helping thousands in small, individual ways. "She used both her heart and head to help thousands," Buffett noted after her passing.

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The contrast wasn't just philosophical. It was personal. Buffett often credited his first wife, Susan, for urging him to embrace philanthropy in the first place. She advocated for giving while young and connected directly with causes. 

Buffett, meanwhile, focused on growing their wealth—driven by his fascination with compounding and a desire to keep full control of Berkshire Hathaway. As he later explained, "I was restrained by the desire to retain unassailable control of Berkshire. It was only after my wife's death that I, at 75, stepped on the accelerator."

Still, despite his monumental donations—Forbes estimates Buffett has given more than $60 billion, likely making him history's largest philanthropist—he remains clear-eyed about what he hasn't given. "Those who give their love and time…are the heroes of philanthropy. They receive no recognition…but they silently make those establishments work smoothly to benefit those who have received the short straws in life," Buffett wrote.

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That humility extends to his family plans as well. His famous advice is to leave your kids "enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing."

Buffett also revealed in a Wall Street Journal interview last year that his donations to the Gates Foundation will end after his death. "The Gates Foundation has no money coming after my death," he said, noting that his children would instead direct the remainder of his fortune.

While Buffett may downplay his extreme donations and the lives they've touched, there's no denying the impact. And for those without billions to give, time can be just as powerful.

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