Book Review: Buffett and Munger Unscripted by Alex Morris

Buffett and Munger Unscripted: Three Decades of Investment and Business Insights from the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meetings by Alex Morris is a compelling new release for anyone serious about learning how money, business, and long-term thinking intersect. The book distills more than thirty years of off-the-cuff remarks, business wisdom, and investment insights shared by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meetings.

For readers on a financial journey, this book delivers a rare opportunity: hearing two of the most successful investors of all time speak candidly and directly. It’s not a biography, and it’s not another retelling of how they built Berkshire. It’s about what they think, and how their views have evolved over decades.

Who is Alex Morris?

Alex Morris is a well-known investor and financial writer, and the founder of The Science of Hitting, a respected investment research service. His approach is heavily influenced by Buffett and Munger’s philosophies: long-term focus, fundamental analysis, and a strong preference for rational thinking. With this book, Morris takes a backseat, acting more like a skilled editor than a narrator. He organizes and curates the best moments from thirty years of Berkshire meetings, letting Buffett and Munger’s ideas speak for themselves.

Key Lessons from the Book

One of the most powerful takeaways is the emphasis on rational decision-making. Buffett and Munger consistently stress the value of independent thinking and avoiding emotional reactions, particularly when investing. Their repeated advice to stay within one’s “circle of competence” serves as a reminder that humility is a financial superpower.

Another major theme is simplicity. Whether they’re talking about Coca-Cola or Apple, Buffett and Munger focus on businesses they understand and can predict. Readers trying to learn about investing often get caught up in complexity. This book shows that some of the greatest fortunes have been built on patience, discipline, and doing less—not more.

The book also offers practical insights on corporate governance, leadership, and incentives. Munger’s blunt honesty about executive behavior and flawed business models is especially refreshing. Their commentary on market manias, short-term thinking, and speculation reinforces the importance of long-term investing in vehicles like the S&P 500.

Criticisms of the Book

While the content is rich, the structure can feel repetitive at times. Because the book is built around years of live Q&A, certain ideas are revisited often. For readers who are already deep into Buffett and Munger’s universe, much of the content will feel familiar. The format isn’t narrative or linear, which might make it harder for newcomers to follow overarching themes.

Additionally, the book’s strength—its fidelity to real dialogue—can also be a weakness. Buffett and Munger often speak informally, with tangents, jokes, and occasional contradictions. That rawness is valuable, but it means the book demands focused reading to absorb the full depth of their messages.

Why This Book?

There are many books about Warren Buffett. What sets this one apart is the access it gives readers to the unfiltered minds of both Buffett and Munger over a long period of time. If you’re trying to develop a lasting investment philosophy or simply become a smarter thinker, their conversations are invaluable.

For readers who believe in frugal living, investing in broad-market index funds like the S&P 500, and taking control of their financial education, this book is a natural fit. It reinforces the principles that matter most: discipline, patience, and staying focused on what you can control.

Final Thoughts

Buffett and Munger Unscripted is a strong addition to any personal finance bookshelf. It’s not about quick tips or flashy strategies. It’s about learning how to think. Alex Morris has done a service by preserving decades of timeless wisdom in one accessible volume.

Whether you’re new to investing or already managing a growing nest egg, this book is a reminder that success often comes from mastering the basics and staying the course. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, honest companion to your financial journey, this one is well worth your time.