Warren Buffett Tells Jeff Bezos Why People Don't Copy His 'Simple' Investment Strategy

Jeff Bezos once asked Warren Buffett why no one copies his simple investment strategy. Buffett replied, "Because no one wants to get rich slow." This philosophy is echoed by Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, who shares a story about Bezos and Buffett discussing the importance of patience over speed in investing and business success. Chesky notes that Airbnb's rise was not an overnight success, but rather a result of sticking with the long game and persevering through challenges.

Title: Patience and Perseverance: The Investment Philosophies of Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos

In the world of investing and business, patience and perseverance are often cited as key factors for long-term success. Two prominent figures in the business world, Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos, embody this philosophy, as illustrated by a recent anecdote shared by Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. Chesky recounted a lunch at Sundance where he found himself seated with both Buffett and Bezos, who discussed the importance of patience over speed in investing and business success.

Buffett, known for his long-term investment strategy, has often been asked why no one copies his approach. His response, "Because no one wants to get rich slow," encapsulates his belief in the value of long-term, patient investing. This philosophy is echoed by Bezos, who shared his experience of asking Buffett why no one follows his investment strategy. Buffett's reply underscored the patience required to see returns on investments and the importance of persevering through challenges.

Chesky's anecdote highlights the long journey of Airbnb, which was not an overnight success but rather a result of sticking with the long game and persevering through various challenges. Airbnb's recent earnings report [2] demonstrated its resilience, with Q2 revenue of $3.1 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.03 per share. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition from hotels and mounting regulatory pressure on short-term rentals, Airbnb continues to innovate and expand its offerings.

The company's strategy to integrate hotels into its platform, as announced by Chesky, reflects its commitment to growth and adaptation. By embracing hotels, Airbnb aims to fill network gaps, especially in cities and peak periods when home options are limited. This move aligns with Chesky's vision of Airbnb becoming an "AI-first application," leveraging AI to drive efficiency and personalization in customer service and travel planning.

Both Buffett and Bezos' philosophies emphasize the importance of long-term vision and the willingness to persevere through challenges. For investors and financial professionals, understanding these principles can provide valuable insights into successful investment strategies and business growth. As Chesky's story illustrates, patience and perseverance are not just words but essential attributes for achieving long-term success.

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L4N3U70P2:0-unitedhealth-jumps-after-vote-of-confidence-from-warren-buffett/
[2] https://www.inkl.com/news/airbnb-embraces-a-paradox-ceo-brian-chesky-says-hotels-are-the-future
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jeff-bezos-once-asked-warren-160106441.html