Countryloves

 Over six decades of steering the Berkshire Hathaway empire, 94-year-old billionaire Warren Buffett made several investments that earned the company hundreds of billions of dollars—most famously in Apple, BYD, and Coca-Cola.

On May 3rd, Buffett officially announced he would step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of this year, marking the end of his 60-year reign at the helm of the investment conglomerate.

Often hailed as one of the greatest investors in modern history, Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, back when it was a struggling textile mill. Over time, he reshaped it into a multi-sector powerhouse through acquisitions and strategic investments. Today, he owns approximately $169 billion in assets—$160 billion of which is in Berkshire stock. The company’s market cap has surpassed $1.16 trillion.

Buffett's remarkable track record has earned him legendary status on Wall Street and the nickname "The Oracle of Omaha"—a tribute to his hometown, where he was born, raised, and spent decades working.

Here are some of Buffett’s most successful and regretful investments throughout his storied career:

Profitable Investments

1. National Indemnity and National Fire & Marine

Insurance has always been a key pillar for Berkshire. In 1967, Buffett acquired National Indemnity and National Fire & Marine for $8.6 million—among his earliest ventures into the insurance industry.

The float (premium money collected before claims are paid) became a vital funding source for Berkshire’s other investments and helped drive the company’s growth. By Q1 of this year, Berkshire’s total float reached $173 billion.

2. American Express, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America

Buffett bought large stakes in these companies during times of turmoil—market crashes or corporate scandals. These holdings have grown by over $100 billion since acquisition, excluding the substantial dividends Berkshire has collected.

3. Apple

Despite his longstanding reluctance to invest in tech, Buffett began buying Apple shares in 2016, saying he viewed it as a consumer brand with exceptional customer loyalty. At its peak, the investment was worth over $174 billion, before Berkshire gradually began reducing its stake.

4. BYD

Following advice from Charlie Munger, Buffett bet big on Chinese EV company BYD in 2008 with a $232 million investment. At one point, this stake grew to over $9 billion. Berkshire has since trimmed its position and now holds $1.8 billion in BYD stock.

5. See’s Candies

The 1972 See’s Candies acquisition was a turning point in Buffett’s investment philosophy. Munger convinced him to focus on quality businesses with competitive advantages, not just cheap ones. Berkshire bought the company for $25 million and, by 2011, had earned $1.65 billion in pre-tax profits from it.

6. Berkshire Hathaway Energy

The energy sector has been a stable cash generator. In 2000, Berkshire bought MidAmerican Energy for $2.1 billion. It was later renamed and expanded to include PacifiCorp and NV Energy. In 2024 alone, this division brought in over $3.7 billion in profit.

Costly Mistakes

1. Berkshire Hathaway (the textile company)

Buffett has called his original 1962 purchase of the Berkshire textile firm his “worst investment.” The business struggled and ultimately shut down in 1985. Ironically, the stock has since soared from around $7–8 to over $800,000, making it a “bad decision that turned out well.”

2. Dexter Shoe Co

In 1993, Buffett paid $433 million in Berkshire stock to acquire Dexter Shoe. He later admitted this was a huge blunder—he gave away 1.6% of Berkshire’s equity for a company that turned out to be worthless.

Buffett has also expressed regret over missed opportunities. He passed on early investments in Amazon, Google, and Microsoft—costing Berkshire billions. He also abandoned plans to buy 100 million shares of Walmart, now worth nearly $10 billion.

Before the pandemic, Buffett soured on bank stocks, dumping 500 million shares of Wells Fargo amid ongoing scandals—many sold at around $30 each. He also sold JP Morgan shares for under $100. Both have more than doubled since.

 Love in the Rain

Carrying with me a dream that has faded away,
Admiring lovers walking through the stormy rain.
The coldness of yesterday’s dream still lingers,
The wind is vast and endless, yet our old love has not frozen.

Memories from yesterday gently stir again,
Warming my heart with longing.
Wandering around the street corner, rain drizzles softly,
Cars rush past without a pause.
The umbrella slips from my hand, revealing my exhaustion.
Trying to forget turns out to be such a painful thing.
I let each raindrop dissolve into my dream.

The sun seems to understand my silent pain,
Wiping away the rain, shining warm rays onto my frozen heart.
Is this the same place where we first met?
Your warm embrace once chased away the emptiness inside me.
From the shadows of our togetherness,
Memories of our first encounter awaken.
We met when the sky was heavy with rain,
Yet love drifted by so lightly, like the wind…

 Reading is not just a hobby; it's a journey into knowledge and the soul. Great books have the power to transform perspectives, inspire, and deepen our understanding of life. 

Here are 15 books you should read at least once in your lifetime:​

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
   A profound narrative addressing racial injustice and the loss of innocence in the American South.

   
   
   

2. "1984" by George Orwell
   A dystopian novel exploring themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and individual freedom.

3. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
   A classic tale of love, societal expectations, and misunderstandings in 19th-century England.

4. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
   The poignant writings of Anne Frank during her time hiding from the Nazis, offering a unique perspective on human resilience.

5. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
   A depiction of the American Dream's decay in the Roaring Twenties, centered on the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.

6. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
   An epic tale of obsession and revenge between Captain Ahab and the titular white whale.

7. "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy
   A monumental novel intertwining personal stories with the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.

8. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez
   A multi-generational story of the Buendía family, blending magical realism with the fabric of Latin American history.

9. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
   A narrative capturing teenage angst and alienation through the eyes of Holden Caulfield.

10. "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
    An epic fantasy saga of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil in Middle-earth.

11. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison
    A haunting exploration of slavery's legacy and a mother's love that transcends death.

12. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley
    A dystopian vision of a technologically advanced society devoid of individuality and emotional depth.

13. "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
    A deep dive into morality, free will, and faith through the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov brothers.

14. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky
    An intense psychological exploration of guilt and redemption following a young man's grievous act.

15. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
    A philosophical tale about following one's dreams and listening to the heart's true desires.

These books not only provide knowledge but also offer profound insights into the human condition and the world around us. Delving into these works will undoubtedly enrich your perspective and understanding of life.

Napoleon Hill's "Outwitting the Devil" is a captivating exploration of human potential, mindset, and the art of overcoming life's challenges. Originally written in 1938 but not published until 2011, the book delves into the mind of a "devil" figure to reveal the thought patterns and behaviors that hinder personal growth and success.

**Unconventional Perspective:**

What sets "Outwitting the Devil" apart is its unique narrative approach. Hill engages in a candid conversation with the Devil himself, allowing readers to gain insights into the strategies that prevent people from achieving their dreams. Through this unconventional dialogue, Hill tackles topics such as fear, procrastination, and negativity, shedding light on the ways these factors can hinder progress.

**Mindset and Success:**

Central to the book's message is the significance of mindset in determining success. Hill emphasizes the power of one's thoughts and beliefs in shaping reality. He underscores the importance of cultivating a positive mental attitude and aligning one's thoughts with their goals, highlighting that success begins within the mind.

**Breaking Free from Limitations:**

Hill presents a thought-provoking analysis of the societal and psychological constraints that keep individuals from reaching their full potential. The book encourages readers to challenge conformity, question societal norms, and break free from the mental chains that restrict growth. This theme resonates strongly with those seeking personal development and self-improvement.

**Courageous Self-Reflection:**

"Outwitting the Devil" prompts readers to engage in self-reflection and confront their own fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs. It encourages individuals to take control of their lives by analyzing their choices and acknowledging the influence of external factors. This introspective process enables readers to understand how they can regain control and chart their course to success.

**Critiques:**

While the book offers valuable insights, some readers might find the conversational format with the Devil distracting or unconventional. Additionally, the book's views on religion and spirituality might not resonate with all readers, as these topics play a significant role in the narrative.

**Conclusion:**

"Outwitting the Devil" is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to question their mindset, confront their fears, and take charge of their lives. Napoleon Hill's exploration of success, personal growth, and the power of positive thinking provides readers with tools to break free from limitations and embark on a journey towards achieving their aspirations. Despite its unconventional approach, the book offers valuable wisdom for those seeking to outwit their own inner "devil" and unlock their full potential.