Books are one of the great loves of my life, a passion shared with Warren Buffett, Elon Musk and SA’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. Right now I’m getting a reminder of why these humble objects evoke such joy in those who seek knowledge.
Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs is always kept close, often a reference when inspiration is lacking. Over the weekend I started Isaacson’s earlier work on Albert Einstein. The glowing reviews from a decade back are right – it’s another treasure, a rare masterpiece to savour at leisure.
Einstein’s genius is well documented. Not as well known is his childlike wonder at the miracles of nature and firm belief in the higher power – whom he called God – who put it all together. The man’s greatness lay not just in a mathematical mind, but also his humility.
One year after the Presser at the Berkshire AGM, I asked Buffett what books he read: “Biographies,” he replied, “you can learn so much from the lives of others that will improve yours.” He’s called the Oracle of Omaha for good reason.
