When people begin exploring the world of investing, it’s common to ask: Should I put my money in stocks, real estate, commodities, or currencies? For Warren Buffett, the answer is surprisingly personal—he believes the best investment you can make is in yourself.
“I think that the best investment you can have, for most people, is in your own abilities,” Buffett said at the 2005 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting.
To underscore the value of personal potential, Buffett offered a striking analogy: “I would be glad to pay [a student] one hundred thousand dollars, cash up front, for ten percent of all their future earnings… I’m valuing the whole person at a million dollars.”
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© 2026 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.