Comments on: Review: Buffett – The Making of an American Capitalist

By: Kevin Pickell

Kevin Pickell — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:12:28 +0000

In his own words…..

By: Dan

Dan — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 22:52:06 +0000

I have to agree with Rocketc.

I’m not sure you qualify as a capitalist while you are an outspoken advocate for the government seizing a large percentage of your assets when you die (or ever really).

His position is then utterly destroyed when he first takes steps to make sure that most of his assets are convieniently safe from this tax, then advocates for everyone else to be forced to subject to it.

If he wanted to take this position and not be a complete hypocrit he should have sent 45% of his assets to the office of the public debt when he made his “donation” to the gates foundation.

Any time someone advocates additional taxes you should check to see if they pay them already – there is no law against paying additional taxes. If they feel so strongly that we need more taxation, and they have the means to do something concrete about it then why aren’t they doing it on a voluntary basis already? They are adults – why do they need to be forced to do what they see as the “right thing”?

So, if you think taxes need raised – this year when you fill out your tax return, you should be checking the little box to donate your refund to the office of the public debt.

By: Kevin Pickell

Kevin Pickell — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 21:04:11 +0000

Great book indeed! I have read it at least four times. If you want books on the Buffett methods, I suggest these…

How to Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett….by Timothy Vick

Buffettology….by Mary Buffett

The Warren Buffett Way….by Hagstrom

The Essential Buffett…..by Hagstrom

Essays of Warren Buffett; Lessons for Corporate America……by Cunningham

I’d also recommend a great biography on Buffett’s longtime friend and partner…Charlie Munger titled ‘Damn Right!’ by Janet Lowe(5 stars!!!)

Another good biography on Buffett’s mentor Ben Graham titled ‘Ben Graham on Value Investing’…by Janet Lowe.

By: rhbee

rhbee — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:48:25 +0000

Thanks for the off the beat review. I think it will be a great present for my wife to read because she references Buffet quite often when we are discussing the rich and famous. The thing about his story that I find worthwhile is that he appears to lead a life of balance.

By: Loi Tran

Loi Tran — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:34:26 +0000

Buying Berkshire was an actual mistake because the company did not have a competitive advantage.

By: rocketc

rocketc — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:11:03 +0000

I like Warren Buffet on investing and life-in-general.

I don’t understand why his views on taxes are what they are.

By: sir jorge

sir jorge — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 18:13:48 +0000

at first glance i thought the book was by jimmy buffet

By: Ricardo Bueno

Ricardo Bueno — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:42:27 +0000

(My apologies in advance if this isn’t relevant)

Speaking of Warren Buffet, back in August of ’07, Bank of America invested $2 billion in Countrywide. Buffet is quoted for saying that “the worsening credit and housing markets may present some ‘real’ investment opportunities.”

Well, Bank of America just bought Countrywide! Guess who owns interest in Bank of America? Berkshire Hathaway, aka Warren Buffet!

By: Ryan S.

Ryan S. — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:37:42 +0000

I’ll think about adding this one to my list. Dunno if my local library has it (yet–they’re pretty awesome) but it could be of big interest here.
-
Ryan
http://uncommon-cents.net/

By: Blue

Blue — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:23:58 +0000

Wonderful! I’ve been looking for a good Buffett biography. I’ll definitely check this one out

By: Frugal Dad

Frugal Dad — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:57:24 +0000

Biographies generally bore me, unless I am extremely interested in their subject. However, I find bios on men like Warren Buffet and Sam Walton inspiring in that their life story proves that anyone can be wildly successful with discipline, frugality and a desire to succeed. Thanks for the excellent review.

By: Writer's Coin

Writer's Coin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:00:25 +0000

This is one of my all-time favorite books ever. The book really brings home his personality and how unique this man really is.

Some of that intensity is a little much and has affected his family life, but I guess we all have our faults.

Really though, I can’t stress enough how highly I think of this book.

By: The Saving Freak

The Saving Freak — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:43:08 +0000

I have always found Buffett an interesting study. He doesn’t really do anything that spectacular. He follows his system religiously and it has worked. He has retooled that system and made sure it is the best in the world but he is not some complicated genius just a man who can spot a deal and has learned to have a bigger vision than his competitors.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:36:01 +0000

Good review! I was wondering what Buffett book to buy, and Buffett – The Making of an American Capitalist was the one I was looking at. This sealed my pick.