The Sages: Warren Buffett, George Soros, Paul Volcker, and the Maelstrom of Markets

Throughout the violent financial disruptions of the past several years, three men have stood out as beacons of judgment and wisdom: Warren Buffett, George Soros, and Paul Volcker. Though their experiences and styles vary — Buffett is the canny stock market investor; Soros is the reader of shifting global tides in trade and currencies; and Volcker is the regulator and governor, sheriff and clean-up crew — they have very much in common.

All three men have more than fifty years of deep involve...