Poor Charlie’s Almanack

From the legendary vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, lessons in investment strategy, philanthropy, and living a rational and ethical life.“A timeless classic that will change how you approach life. There is a billion-dollar education inside this book.”—Shane Parrish, founder of Syrus Partners and Farnam Street“Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up,” Charles T. Munger advises in Poor Charlie’s Almanack. Originally published in 2005, this compendium of eleven talks delivered by the legendary Berkshire Hathaway vice-chairman between 1986 and 2007 has become a touchstone for a generation of investors and entrepreneurs seeking to absorb the enduring wit and wisdom of one of the great minds of the 20th and 21st centuries. Edited by Peter D. Kaufman, chairman and CEO of Glenair and longtime friend of Charlie Munger—whom he calls “this generation’s answer to Benjamin Franklin”—this abridged Stripe Press edition of Poor Charlie’s Almanack features a brand-new foreword by Stripe cofounder John Collison.  Poor Charlie’s Almanack draws on Munger’s encyclopedic knowledge of business, finance, history, philosophy, physics, and ethics—and more besides—to introduce the latticework of mental models that underpin his rational and rigorous approach to life, learning, and decision-making. Delivered with Munger’s characteristic sharp wit and rhetorical flair, it is an essential volume for any reader seeking to go to bed a little wiser than when they woke up.

“This book is something of a publishing miracle—never advertised, yet year after year selling many thousands of copies from its Internet site.”  —Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway “Charlie Munger was born before corporate speak, before business leaders minced words to obscure truths. But Charlie Munger’s words have always cut like a knife—and that sharp spirit of truth-seeking built Berkshire into what it is today. We should all aspire to such clarity.” —Katherine Boyle, general partner at a16z “Poor Charlie’s Almanack is a timeless classic that will change how you approach life. There is a billion-dollar education inside this book.” —Shane Parrish, founder of Syrus Partners and Farnam Street “This book is the best way to learn from Munger and his ideas. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in thinking clearly, rationally, and effectively.” —Ana Lorena Fabrega, author, educator, and chief evangelist at Synthesis “Charlie Munger’s insights are timeless. Some of these speeches were delivered over 20 years ago, but they feel like they could have been given yesterday.” —Tyler Hogge, venture partner at Pelion “If I could only read one book to help me succeed in life and business, this is the book I’d read. Charlie’s timeless wisdom has inspired millions and will continue to resonate for generations to come.”  —David Senra, creator of the Founders podcast

Charles T. Munger is an investor, businessman, and former real estate attorney. He is the vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational conglomerate controlled by Warren Buffett. He was chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation from 1984 to 2011. He is also chairman of the Daily Journal Corporation and a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation. He lives in California. Peter D. Kaufman is the chairman and CEO of Glenair, Inc. He was a longtime director of Wesco Financial Corporation and is a current director of Daily Journal Corporation. In 2005, he edited and published Poor Charlie’s Almanack, a compilation of talks given by his longtime friend Charlie Munger. He lives in California. Warren E. Buffett is the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. John Collison is the cofounder and president of Stripe, which builds financial infrastructure for the internet.