The quote “We like to buy businesses, but we don’t like to sell them” is a reflection of a long-term investment strategy. It means that the speaker prefers to invest in businesses with the intention of holding onto them for a long time, rather than selling them off quickly for a profit. This approach is based on the belief that the real value of a business is in its potential to generate profits over an extended period, rather than in its immediate resale value.

This strategy can be seen as a vote of confidence in the quality and potential of the businesses chosen for investment. It’s about seeing the inherent value in a business, believing in its growth potential, and sticking with it through the ups and downs of the market. It suggests a focus on intrinsic value rather than market price, and a preference for steady, long-term growth over quick, short-term gains.

Applying this idea in today’s world, it could mean investing in companies or industries that you believe have a solid future, even if they may not be the hottest or most hyped stocks at the moment. It could also mean sticking with your investments through market downturns, rather than panicking and selling off at the first sign of trouble.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as an encouragement to invest in yourself and your own growth over the long term. This could mean pursuing education or skills training, even if the benefits aren’t immediately apparent, or sticking with a challenging job or project because you believe in its long-term potential. It’s about having patience, keeping your eye on the long-term goal, and not being swayed by short-term setbacks or distractions.