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Benjamin Graham (1894–1976) was a renowned economist, investor, and educator who

significantly influenced the field of value investing and had a lasting impact on
the world of finance. Here's a summary of his life:

Early Life and Education:

Benjamin Graham was born on May 9, 1894, in London, England, but his family later
moved to New York City.
He attended Columbia University, where he studied economics and graduated in 1914.
Graham continued his education at Columbia, earning a master's degree in economics
in 1915.
Investment Philosophy and Career:

Graham's investment philosophy, often called "value investing," emphasized the


importance of purchasing stocks or other securities at a price significantly below
their intrinsic value.
He co-authored the book "Security Analysis" with David Dodd in 1934, a foundational
work in the field of value investing.
Graham's most famous disciple was Warren Buffett, who later became one of the
world's most successful investors and credited Graham's teachings as a major
influence on his own approach to investing.
Graham taught at Columbia Business School from 1928 to 1957, where he educated
generations of students on his investment principles.
Innovations and Contributions:

Graham introduced the concept of the "margin of safety," which stresses the
importance of buying securities at a significant discount to their intrinsic value
to protect against potential losses.
His book "The Intelligent Investor," published in 1949, is considered a classic in
the investment world. It emphasizes the importance of a disciplined and patient
approach to investing, avoiding emotional decisions driven by market fluctuations.
Graham's ideas extended beyond individual stocks to the broader market, advocating
for diversification and caution against speculative investments.
Later Life and Legacy:

Benjamin Graham retired from teaching in 1957 but remained active in the investment
community.
He passed away on September 21, 1976, leaving behind a legacy that continues to
influence investors worldwide.
Graham's work laid the foundation for modern value investing strategies and
provided valuable insights into the psychological and behavioral aspects of
investing.
His principles remain highly regarded and are widely studied by both professional
investors and amateurs seeking to navigate the complexities of financial markets.
In summary, Benjamin Graham was a pioneering economist and investor whose ideas and
principles, particularly in value investing, have had a profound and lasting impact
on the field of finance. His books and teachings continue to guide investors in
making rational, disciplined, and informed decisions in the dynamic world of
investing.

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