Just look at that Forbes 400. Takes a billion three to get on the Forbes 400 this year. And the aggregate wealth is just staggering. And those people are paying less percentage of their total income to the federal government than their receptionists are. [...] I'll bet a million dollars against any member of the Forbes 400 who challenges - me that the average for the Forbes 400 will be less than the average of their receptionists.
Warren BuffettWhy not invest your assets in the companies you really like? As Mae West said, 'Too much of a good thing can be wonderful'.
Warren BuffettIn my view, [the trade deficit] will create political turmoil at some point...Pretty soon, I think there will be a big adjustment.
Warren BuffettWe are in effect making a - to some extent, making a choice between future inflation and getting our - getting off the floor. And we're likely - we're likely to have more inflation in the future as a consequence of the things we do to fight the present situation.
Warren BuffettWe do not have, nor have had, and never will have an opinion about where the stock market, interest rates, or business activity will be a year from now.
Warren BuffettIt makes no difference to a widow with her savings in a 5 percent passbook account whether she pays 100 percent income tax on her interest income during a period of zero inflation or pays no income tax during years of 5 percent inflation. Either way, she is 'taxed' in a manner that leaves her no real income whatsoever. Any money she spends comes right out of capital. She would find outrageous a 100 percent income tax but doesn't seem to notice that 5 percent inflation is the economic equivalent.
Warren Buffett