Known for eating at McDonald’s, driving a beat-up old car, and living in his modest Nebraska home, it’s clear his bank account hasn’t changed his ways. Instead of feeling powerful by lavishing in the spoils of his riches, Buffett finds true value and greatness in non-material pursuits.
“When you help someone in any of thousands of ways, you help the world,” Buffett continued. “Kindness is costless but also priceless. Whether you are religious or not, it’s hard to beat The Golden Rule as a guide to behavior…Keep in mind that the cleaning lady is as much a human being as the Chairman.”
Buffett’s golden rule is that everyone should be treated with kindness and respect, no matter if they’ve built a unicorn company, or are a junior-level worker. And he has treated the world’s most powerful business leaders the same way, unwilling to shell out on fancy meals to impress them.
Uber-rich people boasting net worths like Buffett may also be tempted to ball out on indulgences like expensive cars. But the investing magnate isn’t interested in getting behind the wheel of a Lamborghini or Aston Martin; he once drove a 20-year-old car because he felt it was safer than driving a speedy luxury alternative. And at one point, his license plate even read as “THRIFTY.”
Whether it be mansions or sports cars, Buffett steers clear of making major purchases that reflect his bank account. In fact, he feels giving in could be counterproductive to his happiness.
A version of this story was published on Fortune.com on November 12, 2025.
