Charles Thomas Munger (1924-2023) was an American businessman, investor, attorney, and philanthropist. He was best known as the Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, working alongside Warren Buffett for decades and significantly contributing to the company's success. Buffett credited Munger as the "architect" of Berkshire Hathaway's modern business philosophy and his closest partner. Munger advocated for buying "wonderful businesses at fair prices" rather than just undervalued companies, a strategy that became a cornerstone of Berkshire's investment approach.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Munger studied mathematics at the University of Michigan before serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a meteorologist during World War II. He later graduated from Harvard Law School and practiced law before dedicating himself to investments. Beyond Berkshire Hathaway, Munger was the chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation, chairman of the Daily Journal Corporation, and a director of Costco. He emphasized ethical business practices, continuous learning, and a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Munger passed away in November 2023 at the age of 99.