On social media site X, an old video footage of Warren Buffett has reappeared, reigniting discussion on one of the most unsettling realities of investing: even the best investors make mistakes.
Old Warren Buffett video sparks fresh debate
The video, which was recently shared by X user Sunil Gurjar, features Warren Buffett openly discussing what he refers to as the worst type of investment error—opportunities that were passed up rather than losses that show up on balance sheets.
Buffett is the longtime chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, which he turned from a failing textile firm into one of the most valuable companies in the world. Buffett is known across the world as the “Oracle of Omaha”. Buffett is one of the richest people in the world with a net worth of over $130 billion, yet his humility and long-term outlook are what make him so appealing.
According to Buffett, the most painful error
Buffett clearly distinguishes between losses that investors can perceive and those that they frequently ignore in the widely shared video. “Yeah, I made a few pretty awful ones, but that does not really worry me. In the video, Buffett states, “It disturbed the shareholders.”
He continues by saying that while mistakes are unavoidable in both life and investing, the true risk is elsewhere. “The biggest errors are those that go unnoticed. errors of omission as opposed to commission,” he continues.
The cost of missed opportunities
Although Berkshire Hathaway has never lost a significant sum of money on a single venture, Buffett reveals that the corporation has lost out on enormous benefits by failing to move when it had the opportunity.
Buffett highlights how inaction may occasionally be more expensive than making the wrong choice when he states, “We have missed profits of as much as maybe $10 billion in things that I knew enough to do and I did not do.”
Buffett’s long-term investing philosophy
This kind of thinking has its roots in Buffett’s more comprehensive approach to investing. He is renowned for concentrating on companies with solid foundations, long-lasting competitive advantages, competent leadership, and room to grow.
However, he has consistently cautioned investors against chasing trends, overtrading, or emotionally responding to transient market fluctuations.
Timeless investing wisdom
Buffett’s well-known financial sayings, such as “be frightened when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful”, have influenced a number of generations of investors.
His focus on discipline, patience, and learning about companies before purchasing their stocks contrasts sharply with the fast-paced trading culture of today.
A lesson for modern investors
This old film is receiving more attention at a time when short-term narratives and speculation are driving markets. Buffett’s comments serve as a reminder that even renowned investors acknowledge that mistakes are a necessary part of the process and work to steer clear of those that subtly worsen over time.
The lesson is straightforward but impactful for retail investors: while losses are frequently recoverable, lost opportunities—when conviction meets inaction—can have significantly greater long-term costs.
