Radical Generosity

On September 7 of this year, I will officially retire from Legacy Deo, having served this wonderful organization for a total of nearly 14 years, from 1986-1991 and 2016-2025.  With only three more weekly issues of Perspectives prior to that retirement date, I’ve decided to spend those three weeks sharing stories of what we at Legacy Deo call “radical generosity.”  The first story is that of Warren Buffett, Chief Executive Officer of Berkshire Hathaway. He's reported to have donated more money to charitable causes than any other billionaire in history.  Buffett is widely recognized not only as one of the most successful investors in history but also as one of the most generous philanthropists of modern times.  Despite amassing a fortune that places him among the richest individuals in the world, Buffett has long maintained that wealth should ultimately serve a greater purpose than personal luxury. He has made it clear that the bulk of his fortune will be given away to benefit others.  Over the years, he has steadily carried out this commitment, transferring to charities annual gifts of Berkshire Hathaway stock worth billions. In 2021, his giving passed the $40 billion mark.  ChatGPT says: “In 2010 Buffett co-founded The Giving Pledge, encouraging other billionaires to donate at least half of their wealth to philanthropic causes either during their lifetime or in their estate plan. This initiative has attracted more than 200 of the world’s wealthiest individuals.”  Buffett didn't move to New York like most investors. He stayed in Omaha, a relatively small city where he could focus on what truly matters. He still lives in the same house he bought in 1958 for $31,500 and continues to drive the hail damaged 2014 Cadillac XTS he bought at a discount.  What makes Buffett’s generosity especially notable is not just the amount, but the philosophy behind it. He has often said that his children will inherit enough to be comfortable, but not so much that it would discourage them from pursuing their own paths in life.  His promise to give away almost all of his wealth to charity illustrates that real success isn't about how much money you have. One doesn’t need to be a billionaire to give generously to worthy charitable causes. Real success is about staying humble and giving thankfully.  Warren Buffett has set a powerful example of stewardship, reminding the world that wealth can—and should—be a tool for improving lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  We at Legacy Deo call that “radical generosity!” 

Dr. Gerald B. "Jerry" Kieschnick 

Chief Executive Officer | Legacy Deo | GBJK@LegacyDeo.org | www.legacydeo.org | (512) 646-4909 

Our Mission: To inspire giving that impacts life forever. 

Opinions in Perspectives are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the position of any group or organization.  (Used with permission)