The more I read the letters, the more I see what distinguishes Warren Buffett. You could have no interest in investing and still walk away with insight into managing businesses, being strategic about opportunity, and the importance of building strong relationships.

Buffett's long-term perspective is surely a key to his continued success. A company he stumbled on as a 20 year old became the foundation of a financial empire that excels in operating businesses, insuring risks, and investing capital.

He isn't perfect, contrasted with other CEOs, he's refreshingly open about discussing his mistakes. Buffett's awareness of his own ignorance is an advantage. He avoids catastrophes because he knows what he doesn't know. This awareness forms the basis of his clever quip "be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful."

Like a chorus throughout his letters, Buffett praises his managers. He makes it clear that working with a great team helps produce great results.

There's more than can be said in an intro, so I'll let the letters speak for themselves. I've put together the letters from the last 17 years, with more to follow soon. Browse the list to the left, or search to pinpoint specific topics.