"Many cultures do things more quietly than we do in the United States," said Susan Raymond, executive vice president for research at philanthropy consulting firm Changing Our World. Philanthropy is "not something that you stand up and seek public recognition for. It's something that's actually just part of the pattern of what is expected of you."
Buffett has pledged the bulk of his wealth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He also makes gifts to charities seeking to ease hunger, boost education in the U.S. and promote access to abortions. Buffett has enlisted his three children to help give away his money. Gates, ranked by Forbes as the world's second-richest man behind investor Carlos Slim, is a Berkshire director.
Bloomberg is the founder and majority owner of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP.