The Acquirers Podcast

Soldier of Fortune: Warren Buffett, Sun Tzu and the Ancient Art of Risk-Taking | S07 E34

10 snips
Oct 1, 2025
Tobias Carlisle, author and investor, dives into his new book, highlighting the strategic parallels between Warren Buffett and Sun Tzu. He reveals how Buffett's skill shines through in modern deals like Apple, framing investors as soldiers battling luck. Carlisle explores Buffett's defensive strategies, including the merger with Gen Re and insights on BNSF's geographical advantages. He discusses the importance of patience, tactical cash deployment, and the modern application of ancient strategies, warning against the pitfalls of meme-driven stocks.
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INSIGHT

Buffett Sounds Like Sun Tzu

  • Tobias Carlisle noticed strong parallels between Sun Tzu's Art of War and Warren Buffett's investing philosophy during COVID.
  • He wrote the book to show how Buffett's decisions echo Sun Tzu's strategic principles.
INSIGHT

Via Negativa Is A Strategy Core

  • Sun Tzu frames strategy mostly in the negative: avoid mistakes to find the correct path.
  • Carlisle links this via negativa to Buffett's investment checklist and error-avoidance approach.
ANECDOTE

Gen Re Merger As Defensive Masterstroke

  • Carlisle details Buffett's merger with Gen Re to dilute an overvalued Coca-Cola stake and replace it with bonds.
  • The defensive move preserved capital and positioned Berkshire to buy into the 2000 market collapse.
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