In a rare interview with Charlie Rose, Susan Buffett offered a glimpse into the personal and philosophical beliefs that have shaped the Buffett family. The discussion touched on Warren Buffett's views on competition, gender equality, and the pivotal role of women in his life.
Susan Buffett described Warren as someone who values a "level playing field" in his professional endeavors. "He said everybody can read what I read, everybody - it's a level playing field," she noted. This competitive spirit is a cornerstone of Warren's success, yet he remains unpretentious in his personal spending. "He's never wanted to spend a lot of money to buy a lot of things," Susan added, emphasizing that for Warren, it's "a scorecard."
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Warren Buffett's ability to balance intense work with rest also came up in the conversation. "His brain is going all the time," Susan said, "but he can lie down and take a nap and go to sleep, or he sleeps very well at night." This ability to switch off is seen as rare among high-powered individuals.
Susan also shared her significant contributions outside the home, particularly in the realm of civil rights. "When the children were growing up, I was very involved in civil rights, completely," she said. Her activism played a role in shaping Warren's political views. "I think that's what made Warren a Democrat," she stated, giving credit to her influence despite both of their families being Republican.
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One of the most poignant moments in the interview came when Susan recounted a conversation with Warren about gender equality. "He looked at me - and this, Charlie, would have been 40 years ago, and he said to me, wait until women discover they're the slaves of the world." This awareness, especially for the time, impressed Susan and highlighted Warren's progressive stance on women's rights.
Warren's relationships with influential women, such as Kay Graham of The Washington Post and Carol Loomis of Fortune magazine, were also discussed. "They talked all the time and exchanged thoughts," Susan said, noting that Warren has always had "a lot of women friends" and values their perspectives.
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Susan attributed Warren's respect for women to his upbringing. "My dad always said that women were the superior gender, and if women ruled the world, it would be a much better place," she recalled. This belief in gender equality is reflected in Warren's support for women's rights globally. "Warren feels that women all over the world get shortchanged," she said, highlighting his pro-choice stance and advocacy for a level playing field for women.
In his 2008 biography, Warren highlighted the significant role Susan played in his life, stating, "Susie put me together." He is also close to his younger sister, Bertie, who was mentioned 20 times in his 2023 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. He described her as a "perfect mental model" for the ideal Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) stock owner.
Warren's advocacy for women's rights and his significant donations to related causes, including the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, reflect his ongoing commitment to gender equality.
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