Five books Warren Buffett wants you to read in 2025
Famous investing guru Warren Buffett has five books that he recommends for people aiming to become rich. Known as the “Oracle of Omaha,” Buffett has a fortune of over $140 billion (approximately R2.6 trillion).
WHO IS WARREN BUFFETT?
Buffett was born on 30 August 1930, the second of three children to Howard and Leila Buffett. He began making money at six years old by buying Coca-Cola cans and reselling them for a five-cent profit per can.
At the age of 11, he bought his first shares, paying $38 (R703) for stocks in Cities Service Preferred. Initially, the stock price dropped from $38 to $27 (R499) per share, which left young Buffett disappointed. However, his strong resilience encouraged him to hold on to the shares until they rose to $40. Through this experience, he learned the power of patience in the financial world.
He got his first job as a paperboy at the age of 13.
BUFFETT’S EDUCATION HISTORY
According to The Times of India, he started his tertiary education at the Wharton School, a business school of the University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League research university. After two years, he transferred to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and later attended Columbia University, where he graduated with a Master of Science degree.
From there, he worked in various places before eventually making it big in the investment world.
So, if you also want to be wealthy like Warren Buffett, these are the five books he recommends you read in 2025.
THE GREAT CRASH 1929, written by JOHN KENNETH GALBRAITH
The ‘Great Crash 1929’ is Galbraith’s analysis of the stock market crash that occurred in 1929. In this book, he discusses the events leading up to the crash in October 1929 and identifies the key players and the aftermath of the event.
According to the Daily Mail, Buffett highly recommended this book during the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting in 2020. He noted that COVID-19 had resulted in financial strains and losses, making this book a good read for preparing for uncertain events that may occur in the future.
THE INTELLIGENT INVESTOR, written by BENJAMIN GRAHAM
Benjamin Graham emphasizes the importance of understanding a company’s value when investing money. His book discusses strategies for protecting oneself from capital loss and achieving sustainable returns over the long term. Buffett regards ‘The Intelligent Investor’ as the best book on investing.
According to The Economic Times, Buffett first read the book at just only 19 years old. Graham highlights the importance of examining the history of technology, as the book covers influential figures such as Steve Jobs, Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing and Bill Gates.
SECURITY ANALYSIS, written by BENJAMIN GRAHAM AND DAVID L. DODD
Both Graham and Dodd were Buffett’s professors while he was studying at Columbia University. He expressed how the book and his former professors impacted his life. ‘Security Analysis’ teaches fundamental techniques for analysing companies, valuing common stocks, and finding tangible assets, according to 99bookstores.com.
THE INNOVATORS: HOW A GROUP OF HACKERS, GENIUSES, AND GEEKS CREATED THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION BY WALTER ISAACSON
‘The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution’ by Walter Isaacson is an excellent read for those interested in technology and the digital landscape. Highly recommended by Buffett, the book explores how the evolution of technology has transformed various industries.
It narrates the stories of people who created computers and the internet, detailing how they turned their innovative dreams into reality. The book shares how big tech giants such as Bill Gates, Robert Noyce, Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs and many others used their intellect to give birth to their ideas.
THE ESSAYS OF WARREN BUFFETT: LESSONS FOR CORPORATE AMERICA, written by LAWRENCE A. CUNNINGHAM
This book explores Buffett’s insights, philosophies, principles and strategies. It compiles the letters Buffett wrote to the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway, which were published as essays by Cunningham in 1997.
It also provides a perspective on Buffett’s journey and how he transformed Berkshire Hathaway into a highly valuable company. His essays give a breakdown of the world of investing.
What’s your favourite book on investment and personal finance that you have read?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.