When I went to my first annual meeting ever, at Wesco, as it happens, the subject was insurance. Being a punkrock-kind of person, I didn't understand a thing. Then, a well-dressed, articulate man got up and asked a question. Parsing Charlie's words, "is that what you mean?"
Charlie answered simply, "I don't parse words. I said what I meant." I didn't understand the question, but I understood Charlie.

I bought my very first share of (Berkshire Hathaway) stock the next day, $32,000, which was the most significant purchase of anything I ever made, up to that time.

Thank you, Charlie, for seconding Warren Buffett and starting me on a lifelong journey of learning. You taught me to be skeptical, even of a hero, and to do my own thinking. Forever grateful.