Munger, Kissinger and the American Century

Two centenarians who died on consecutive days last week personify the American Century. Charlie Munger, born in the US heartland of Nebraska, became a billionaire as part of a supremely successful investment partnership; Henry Kissinger, a German-Jewish refugee, came to dominate the superpower's foreign policy, playing a crucial role in the Cold War, remaining a reference point in global diplomacy until the end. Both used their intelligence and a sharp eye for opportunity to contribute to America's collective power and to leverage it to their benefit. Munger invested wisely in promising companies that could be bought at a fair price. Kissinger went from student to professor at Harvard before becoming foreign policy adviser for a presidential candidate (Richard Nixon) who went on to win the election. He dominated foreign policy, at one time holding both the positions of secretary of...