Skip to content

Born Quote by Warren Buffett

“The range of derivatives contracts is limited only by the imagination of man (or sometimes, so it seems, madmen). Say you want to write a contract speculating on the number of twins to be born in Nebraska in 2020. No problem-at a price, you will easily find an obliging counterparty.” quote by Warren Buffett
Download Open image
“The range of derivatives contracts is limited only by the imagination of man (or sometimes, so it seems, madmen). Say you want to write a contract speculating on the number of twins to be born in Nebraska in 2020. No problem-at a price, you will easily find an obliging counterparty.”

Warren Buffett

About This Quote

Source Interview: CNBC, 2015

Financial instruments can be crafted for any scenario, but creativity may outpace prudence, leading to risky speculation.

In simple terms: Derivatives are limitless, yet risky.

Key Takeaway

Assess risk before creating complex contracts.

Themes

finance creativity risk speculation innovation

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

financial educational

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • insurance policies
  • corporate hedging
  • personal budgeting

Key Concepts

derivatives market design behavioral finance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you fully understand the risks of a new financial product?
  • How can you protect yourself from speculative loss?
A Different Perspective

Complex contracts can hide hidden dangers.

4.0 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Warren Buffett

Explore all 984 Warren Buffett quotes

More Born quotes

Browse all 11,606 Born quotes