What's the first word that comes to mind when you hear the name Bill Gates? Billions, perhaps? The self-made billionaire owned the title of World's Richest Person for 13 years until this year, when another household name, Warren Buffett, took it away. When the announcement was made back in March, Buffett's fortune was valued at $62 billion compared to Gates's $58 billion.
Both billionaires likely took a hit, along with the rest of us, when the stock market spiraled downward. Still, Warren Buffett stepped in to boost investor confidence when he bought $5 billion of Goldman Sachs shares during a crucial time for the firm and the whole financial services industry.
Warren Buffett's admirable business mind made him the billionaire he is today, and has earned him a place in the Best of 2008.
Pickens and Buffett didn't get rich by being stupid. I may not always like them, but I respect their savvy.
Pickens is especially blunt and candid, and I like that. He's also been the one to say "water is the new oil" - and people need to THINK ABOUT THAT...its a pretty scary statement to make.
I do think Gates's slight slip makes sense not just down to stocks but he's switched into high gear on the philanthropy front when he stepped away from Microsoft - I'm sure that would have some small part to do with it.
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