Warren Buffett

Marita got Jeff and me tickets to the Warren Buffett charity dinner tonight at the Royal Ontario Museum. Apparently such tickets cost a ridiculous amount, and even then, are hard to come by. When I heard this, I felt rather guilty about not having enough enthusiasm for such a costly and rare occasion. When I offered to give up my ticket to someone more deserving or appreciative, Jeff wouldn't have any of it, telling me that it would be a good learning experience for me.

Mr. Buffett himself was affable, intelligent, and likeable. The talk he gave was informative, and I was extremely impressed at the frank and thoughtful way with which he answered questions. Nevertheless, it was strange to see the biggest names in the Toronto business community elbowing each other for a better chance at a photo op with The Man.

I know people want to learn Mr. Buffett's "secrets," but the simple truth is, it is no more likely for the average investor to copy him as it is for an undergraduate student to imitate Albert Einstein. Plainly put, some people are geniuses who only come around once in a generation. Ask yourself this question: would you still live in the same house from decades ago, and drive your old car after becoming one of the richest men in the world? Obviously, the challenge for Mr. Buffett is in playing the game, not in purchasing material comforts. He is not made of the same stuff as the rest of us.