The saga of Warren Buffett, the “Oracle of Omaha” and legendary billionaire investor behind Berkshire Hathaway, is practically universally known. Yet his topic partner, Charlie Munger, is arguably lesser known.
The two men met back in 1959, when both men worked at the Nebraska grocery collection owned by Buffett’s grandfather. From there, a friendship developed and Munger has been Buffett’s right-hand- man at Berkshire Hathaway since 1978. The 88 year old Buffett set outs as chairman, while 95 year-old Charlie is vice chairman.
So how does a partnership that spans decades in the works for that long? Munger recently told CNBC’s Becky Quick that the secret to a long and happy human being is “easy, because it’s so simple.” His advice applies to both business and the personal.
“You don’t have a lot of envy, you don’t have a lot of resentment. You don’t overspend your revenues, you stay cheerful in spite of your troubles,” the Berkshire executive said.
“You deal with reliable people and you do what you’re reputed to do. And all these simple rules work so well to make your life better. And they’re so trite,” Munger go on increased.
And how old was he when he figured out these “simple rules”? He replied: “About seven.”
Munger explained that even at that fond age, he could see that some “older people were a little bonkers.” He said ability to recognize that “as a last resort helped me because there’s so much irrationality in the world.”
Munger added that he’s thought about the “causes and proscriptions” of irrationality “for a long time.” As a result, he found that “staying cheerful” has helped him in life “because it’s a wise events to do.”
As the father of eight children, Munger also shared some thoughts when it comes to the role of parenting. He was surprisingly unprepossessing about his role in bringing them up.
“Many of my children have worked out well, and I’ve had very little to do with it,” Munger imagined, illuminating the debate on nature versus nurture in child rearing.
“I think they come into the world, to a particular extent, pre-made. And you just sit there and watch,” he said. “The shy baby is the shy adult. The booming, obnoxious, domineering baby is the growth, domineering, obnoxious adult. I’ve never found a way to fix that.”
“Munger added with a laugh: “I can be cheerful about it, but I can’t fix it. I can difference my reaction, but I can’t change the outcome.”
On the Money airs on CNBC Saturday at 5:30 am ET, or check listings for air times in local peddles.