Bill Gates reveals the most important advice from Warren Buffett. Value of true friendships
In March 2023, Gates and Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, participated in an interview where they answered inquiries generated by ChatGPT. CNBC Make It reports that the artificial intelligence questioned Gates about the best advice he had ever received and the impact it made on his life.
10:02 AM EST, January 15, 2024
Gates, 67, pointed to the sage advice given by his longtime friend and fellow businessman, Warren Buffett, about the significant implications of friendship. Buffett enlightened Gates about the real value of life, stating that what ultimately matters in life is the opinion of your friends and the strength of those friendships.
As reported in his 2016 blog post, Gates also emphasized learning about friendship from Buffett over the years, even calling it "perhaps the most important thing."
"Despite a busy schedule, Warren - unlike many in my circles - still finds time to nurture friendships. He answers calls, and will also initiate conversations. He regularly shares articles he thinks will interest me” - Gates recounts on his blog.
Warren Buffett's measure of success
Warren Buffett first voiced the influential words during a speech at the University of Georgia in 2001. When asked to define success, the self-made billionaire responded that during your last days, the real measure of success is the number of people who you'd want by your side and who genuinely love you.
"I know people with vast wealth and great fame. Yet, the truth is, no one loves them. If you live to be my age and no one thinks well of you, it doesn't matter how much is in your bank account - your life is a disaster. That is the ultimate test that determines how you spent your time," said Buffett.
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett's relationship has spanned over three decades. They not only share a robust bond, but also common interests that extend beyond their accumulated wealth. Both are co-founders of The Giving Pledge, which motivates the world's wealthiest people to donate at least half of their wealth to philanthropy. The pair occasionally enjoy rounds of golf and games of bridge together, a favorite pastime of Buffett's - notes CNBC Make It.
A study reveals that strong friendships significantly contribute to professional success. They primarily uplift self-esteem and enhance mental resilience. According to a CNBC Make It report, the American Mayo Clinic also asserts that fostering friendships positively affects life satisfaction and reduces stress levels.
