Buffett’s Biggest Mistakes: What He Wants You to Learn (and Avoid)

Think the world’s greatest investor never gets it wrong? Think again. 'The Snowball' reveals that Warren Buffett’s path was paved with blunders—each one a stepping stone to greater wisdom.

The Berkshire Hathaway Blunder
Buffett’s biggest regret is holding onto the original textile business at Berkshire Hathaway for too long. Loyalty clouded his judgment, and he paid dearly. The lesson: Don’t let emotion override logic. Know when to cut losses.

Dempster Mill: The Danger of Overconfidence
Buffett trusted the numbers but ignored operational realities at Dempster Mill. Only after deep involvement did he realize the management was lacking. Always dig beneath the surface.



Missing the Tech Boom
Buffett famously avoided tech stocks in the late 1990s. While this saved him from the dot-com bust, he also missed out on some early giants. The takeaway: Stick to your principles, but keep learning.

Public Admissions: Humility as a Strength
Buffett’s annual letters are legendary for their candor. He dissects his mistakes, teaching others to learn from his experience. This transparency builds trust and credibility.



Buffett’s story proves that everyone stumbles. What matters is how you respond. Embrace your errors, study them, and use them as fuel for growth. That’s the Buffett way.

For more about Buffett’s mistakes and how he turned them into strengths, check comprehensive book reviews and expert analyses. 1 3 4