Benjamin Graham

Born in London and later making his mark in America, Benjamin Graham stands as a towering figure in the realm of finance and investment. Often heralded as the "father of value investing," Graham's influence extends far beyond his pioneering investment strategies. After graduating from Columbia University at the precocious age of twenty, he embarked on a storied career on Wall Street. His establishment of the Graham–Newman Corporation signified a significant milestone in his professional journey. As an esteemed professor at Columbia Business School, he mentored a generation of investors, most notably Warren Buffett, who revered Graham as a pivotal influence in his life. Graham's teachings reached further shores when he later imparted his wisdom at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Graham's literary contributions, particularly "Security Analysis" and "The Intelligent Investor," are seminal texts within the investment community. Co-authored with David L. Dodd, "Security Analysis" first appeared in 1934 and laid the foundational principles of scrutinizing investments with rigor and discernment. "The Intelligent Investor," published in 1949, has been lauded for its timeless insights into the principles of sound investing, achieving critical acclaim and remaining a mainstay on bookshelves of both novices and seasoned investors. These works continue to be revered for their profound impact on value investing, shaping the strategies of countless investment professionals. Renowned for his analytical precision and emphasis on emotional detachment, Graham championed an investment philosophy that separated stock market fluctuations from the intrinsic value of businesses. His advocacy for rational investment methods and the establishment of security analysis as a profession laid down the groundwork for modern financial analysis. His foresight into the potential of index funds, well before their time, underscores his visionary approach. Graham's legacy endures through the success of his disciples, including luminaries such as Irving Kahn, Mario Gabelli, and Seth A. Klarman, who have all carried forward his principles, ensuring his enduring influence on the field of investment.