Warren Buffett has closed one of the most iconic chapters in business history. At 95, the “Oracle of Omaha” announced that he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and stop writing his world-famous annual letters. While families gather for Thanksgiving, investors across the globe are reflecting on this emotional farewell from the man who shaped modern investing.
Buffett’s message, dated November 10, confirmed that Greg Abel will officially take over as CEO at year-end. Yet what truly touched readers wasn’t the leadership transition but the tone of his letter, a blend of warmth, humor, and humility.
“I will no longer be writing Berkshire’s annual report or talking endlessly at the annual meeting,” Buffett wrote. “As the British would say, I’m ‘going quiet.’ Sort of.”
That simple phrase, “sort of”, carried the familiar wit that defined Buffett’s unique charm.
Gratitude and Giving
Instagram | @multiprenur | Buffett stepped down as Berkshire CEO, closing an iconic chapter in business history.
Although Buffett steps away from his daily duties, he keeps gratitude at the heart of his life. He pledges to stay connected with shareholders through an annual Thanksgiving message, calling them “a very special group who share their gains with others.”
His letter reflects not only sentiment but generosity. Alongside his announcement, Buffett converts 1,800 Class A shares into 2.7 million Class B shares, worth about $1.35 billion, and donates the entire sum to four family foundations: The Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, The Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and the NoVo Foundation.
With this gift, Buffett upholds his lifelong promise to give away 99% of his wealth to philanthropy, proving once again that his mission reaches far beyond profit.
Passing the Baton with Confidence
Buffett used his final Thanksgiving letter to express full confidence in Greg Abel, his successor. “He is a great manager, a tireless worker, and an honest communicator,” Buffett wrote. His words showed that Berkshire’s future remains in steady hands.
He also reflected on his 64-year friendship with Charlie Munger, crediting Munger for shaping his perspective and discipline. Buffett humorously mentioned the “magic ingredient in Omaha’s water,” saying that his success owed much to good fortune and his Nebraska roots.
Lessons That Outlive the Man
Instagram | @marketingmotivationn | Warren Buffett’s final words remind investors that patience and progress build true success.
True to form, Buffett ended his letter with timeless wisdom. He reminded investors to stay patient, trust in compounding, and accept imperfection. “You will never be perfect,” he wrote, “but you can always be better.”
This advice sums up his entire career. Through decades of market highs and lows, Buffett proved that long-term thinking, consistency, and humility always win. His teachings have influenced generations, from small investors to global fund managers.
As Greg Abel prepares to lead Berkshire into its next phase, the absence of Buffett’s voice will be felt deeply. There will be no marathon Q&A sessions or annual letters packed with wit and wisdom. Yet, his Thanksgiving note serves as a gentle reminder that true wealth lies in generosity, gratitude, and legacy.
Even in silence, Buffett’s message rings clear: money may multiply, but time and kindness create the richest returns of all.
