Nobody knows

From some article in Forbes: by Steven Berglas, PhD: “After 20 years spent studying, coaching and writing about scores of entrepreneurs, I know this about all of them: They don't question their motivation; don't wonder whether or not they are taking risks; don't ask themselves, "Will this work?" Instead, they just act --passionately, indefatigably, in pursuit of a goal.” The big, unanswerable question is: WHY?? Nobody can tell you where motivation comes from – why one person is motivated and another is not. Can you teach a person to be motivated? Berglas claims that it’s got something to do with wanting to change the world. Ok, sure, but WHY??? The woman at left doesn’t know either. Don’t even bother to ask her.

Timid Reporter and Warren Buffett

TR: Good afternoon. Are you Warren Buffett?
WB: What would happen if I said “no?”
TR: I would politely remind you that you are.
WB: You wouldn’t doubt my sanity?
TR: No sir, I wouldn’t.
WB: Why do you call me “sir” if you’re older than I?
TR: You heard.
WB: Yes – the word’s getting around. Bill told me you said you were born in 1777.
TR: It’s true.
WB: Can you prove it?
TR: Most certainly I can.
WB: Where were you born?
TR: In Florence – July 7, 1777.
WB: You’re Italian?
TR: Not at all - just like you’re not actually English, I’m not Italian. I’m half Austrian and half Gypsy, or the other way around.
WB: You’re right. I have no ancestors in England, but I can trace my lineage all the way back to the Norsemen.
TR: My grandfather still tells me stories about the mighty Roman Empire.
WB: Is he still alive?
TR: Yes. I’m getting thirsty.
WB: I hope you brought change. I have a Coke vending machine in the den.
TR: Never mind.
WB: You say you can document everything about your old age and background?
TR: I’m timid, but I do not lie.
WB: Well, I’m somewhat at a loss. You may be telling me what you think is the truth, but you might also be insane - just like so many economists I know.
TR: Yes sir, but I didn’t come all the way to Omaha to talk about me.
WB: This magic potion you claim to have – it could make you the richest person on the planet.
TR: Richer than you?
WB: Yes.
TR: It’s not what you think.
WB: Let me have a shot at this secret, whatever it is. You can have 51% of the partnership without lifting a finger.
TR: This formula slows down your metabolism so that you age at only 3% the rate as everyone else.
WB: How has it been kept secret so long?
TR: It also induces you to keep your mouth shut.
WB: So how many people know about it?
TR: Seven.
WB: I don’t believe a word of this. You’re a shyster and a fraud.
TR: I’m not selling anything.
WB: You’re a con artist trying to set me up.
TR: I’m not a consultant and I don’t sell gold. You started this.
WB: I don’t even play Bridge with Jimmy Cayne because….
TR: He cheats?
WB: I didn’t say that.
TR: His butler told me.
WB: This just doesn’t square. If you’re so old, how come you’re not wealthy? How come you’re still timid?
TR: I have known people who have been born poor and died poor. I have known people who never learned to read or write in a lifetime. Time does not necessarily equal progress. It’s not given to every man to write a symphony or to invent a light bulb. Besides, why do you scold me if I have yet another two thousand years to make a little money? I might even get over my timidity. If you wait long enough….
WB: You’re not as timid as you appear.
TR: I have observed several generations over the span of more than two hundred years and have concluded that life is about eating and drinking and not much else.
WB: Then I have been fortunate. Not everything has gone smoothly, but I’ve learned to adjust to reverses that have come along from time to time. I’m a happy man.
TR: How is it that the richest man on earth can also be relatively modest?
WB: I have everything I need. I even have a private jet.
TR: Do you have any poor friends?
WB: I can’t say that I do. What good would that do me?
TR: You are a great philanthropist but you don’t personally know any of your beneficiaries?
WB: It’s best not to know. Bill gives me charts with numbers – that’s all I need to be aware of.
TR: Wouldn’t it be satisfying to actually see a person whose life changed because of your philanthropy? They wouldn’t need to know who you are.
WB: Do you know such a person?
TR: No.
WB: Could you find one for me?
TR: I’m still very thirsty.
WB: Here, I’ll lend you the seventy five cents for my vending machine.
TR: No, thanks.
WB: It’s time for my nap.
TR: …just one more question.
WB: Yes.
TR: Why did your wife Susan leave?
WB: What can I tell you? She wanted to sing.
TR: Thank you, sir.