The story of Li Lu is one of incredible resilience and determination. A man who started out as a fighter on Tiananmen Square, he went on to become a successful investor and philanthropist, thanks in no small part to the influence of Charlie Munger. Along the way, he has faced numerous challenges, but has never lost sight of his goals. His story stands as an inspiration to us all, a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
A Fighter on Tiananmen Square
Li Lu was born in Tangshan, China, in 1966. When he was just fourteen years old, he witnessed the death of his father during the Cultural Revolution. This experience had a profound impact on him, and he soon became involved in political activism. In 1989, he found himself on Tiananmen Square, fighting for democracy and human rights. Though the protests ended in tragedy, Li Lu emerged from the experience with a newfound determination to make a difference in the world.
Exile and Education in the US
Following the events of Tiananmen Square, Li Lu was forced to flee China. He eventually made his way to the United States, where he attended Columbia University. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, he excelled in his studies, graduating with degrees in economics and law. It was during this time that he became interested in investing, and began to explore the world of finance.
Building a Successful Investment Firm
After graduating from Columbia, Li Lu founded his own investment firm, Himalaya Capital. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a savvy investor, with a talent for spotting opportunities in both the US and China. His firm has invested in a wide range of businesses, from tech startups to real estate projects. Through it all, Li Lu has remained committed to his principles, emphasizing the importance of ethical investing and social responsibility.
Meeting Berkshire Hathaway’s Charlie Munger
In 2003, Li Lu had the opportunity to meet Charlie Munger, the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. Munger was impressed by Li Lu’s intelligence and passion for investing, and the two men quickly became friends. Over the years, they have worked together on a number of projects, with Munger serving as a mentor to Li Lu.
An Unlikely Bonding
Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, Li Lu and Charlie Munger share a deep respect for each other. Munger has described Li Lu as “a man of great moral character and intellect,” while Li Lu has praised Munger’s wisdom and experience. Their unlikely friendship is a testament to the power of mutual respect and admiration.
Learning from a Legend
Through his friendship with Charlie Munger, Li Lu has had the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest investors of all time. Munger has shared his insights on a wide range of topics, from business strategy to ethics. Li Lu has taken these lessons to heart, using them to guide his own investment decisions and help others succeed.
The Making of a Great Investor
Li Lu’s success as an investor is a testament to his intelligence, hard work, and determination. He has a talent for spotting opportunities and making wise investments, but he also understands the importance of taking risks and learning from failure. His approach to investing is grounded in ethics and social responsibility, and he has remained true to these principles throughout his career.
From China to America and Back
Despite his success in the US, Li Lu has never forgotten his roots in China. He has remained deeply committed to promoting democracy and social justice in his home country, and has worked tirelessly to support dissidents and activists. At the same time, he has also been a vocal advocate for US-China relations, stressing the importance of cooperation and collaboration.
A Philanthropic Mission
In addition to his work in finance and activism, Li Lu is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has established the China Next Foundation, which supports education and cultural exchange programs between China and the US. He has also been involved in a number of other charitable initiatives, including disaster relief efforts and healthcare initiatives.
Inspiring Future Generations
Li Lu’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. He has overcome incredible odds to become a successful investor and philanthropist, and his example is an inspiration to us all. His commitment to ethical investing and social responsibility serves as a reminder of the importance of doing good in the world. Through his work and his example, he is inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
Li Lu’s story is one of incredible resilience and determination. From his early days as a fighter on Tiananmen Square to his success as an investor and philanthropist, he has overcome numerous challenges to make a difference in the world. Through his friendship with Charlie Munger, he has had the opportunity to learn from one of the greats, and has used these lessons to guide his own career and help others succeed. His example serves as an inspiration to us all, a reminder of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
