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Gold Quote by Warren Buffett

“[Gold] gets dug out of the ground in Africa, or someplace. Then we melt it down, dig another hole, bury it again and pay people to stand around guarding it. It has no utility. Anyone watching from Mars would be scratching their head.” quote by Warren Buffett
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“[Gold] gets dug out of the ground in Africa, or someplace. Then we melt it down, dig another hole, bury it again and pay people to stand around guarding it. It has no utility. Anyone watching from Mars would be scratching their head.”

Warren Buffett

About This Quote

Source Letter to Shareholders, Berkshire Hathaway, 2018

Gold mining and hoarding is wasteful; its value is artificial and nonsensical to an outsider.

In simple terms: Gold mining is pointless and wasteful.

Key Takeaway

Invest in productive assets, not speculative hoarding.

Themes

economics value resource allocation

Mood

skeptical analytical

Type

financial critical

When to use this quote

  • budget planning
  • investment strategy
  • resource management
  • policy making

Key Concepts

capitalism investment theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do societies cling to gold?
  • What alternatives offer real utility?
A Different Perspective

Gold can serve as a hedge in certain markets.

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