Here are some of the best investors of all time, whose strategies and philosophies have inspired countless others. I have always felt that as an investor, it is important to learn from others, and these individuals offer invaluable lessons. 

1. Warren Buffett 

Warren Buffett, often referred to as the "Oracle of Omaha," is widely considered the greatest investor of all time. As the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett has amassed a fortune through his adherence to value investing principles inspired by Benjamin Graham. Buffett's strategy focuses on buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and holding them for the long term. His disciplined approach and ability to identify high-quality businesses have led to extraordinary returns for Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. 

2. Benjamin Graham 

Known as the father of value investing, Benjamin Graham's influence on the investment world is profound. His books, "Security Analysis" and "The Intelligent Investor," are considered essential reading for anyone interested in investing. Graham's philosophy centred on buying securities that were priced below their intrinsic value, providing a margin of safety. His teachings have shaped the strategies of many successful investors, including Warren Buffett. 

3. Peter Lynch 

Peter Lynch is renowned for his exceptional performance as the manager of the Magellan Fund at Fidelity Investments. During his tenure from 1977 to 1990, Lynch achieved an average annual return of 29.2%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500. Lynch's investment philosophy emphasised investing in what you know and conducting thorough research. He believed in identifying growth stocks with strong potential and holding them for the long term. 

4. John Templeton 

Sir John Templeton was a pioneer in global investing and is known for his contrarian approach. He founded the Templeton Growth Fund in 1954, which delivered impressive returns over several decades. Templeton's strategy involved buying undervalued stocks during periods of market pessimism and holding them until they reached their true value. His ability to identify opportunities in international markets set him apart from his peers.  

5. George Soros 

George Soros is a legendary investor known for his success in currency speculation and hedge fund management. As the founder of Soros Fund Management, he achieved remarkable returns through his macroeconomic analysis and bold investment decisions. Soros is perhaps best known for his bet against the British pound in 1992, which earned him over $1 billion in profit. His investment philosophy emphasises understanding global economic trends and taking calculated risks. 

6. David Swensen 

David Swensen revolutionised institutional investing as the chief investment officer of Yale University's endowment. Under his leadership, Yale's endowment grew from $1 billion to over $30 billion. Swensen's approach, known as the "Yale Model," focused on diversifying investments across various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, and hedge funds. His innovative strategies have been widely adopted by other institutional investors. 

7. Jack Bogle 

Jack Bogle, the founder of Vanguard Group, is credited with creating the first index fund. Bogle's philosophy centred on the idea that most active fund managers fail to outperform the market over the long term. He advocated for low-cost, passive investing through index funds, which track the performance of a market index. Bogle's contributions have democratised investing, making it more accessible and cost-effective for individual investors. 

8. Bill Miller 

Bill Miller is known for his remarkable streak of beating the S&P 500 for 15 consecutive years while managing the Legg Mason Capital Management Value Trust. Miller's investment approach combined value and growth investing, focusing on companies with strong fundamentals and growth potential. His ability to identify undervalued stocks and hold them through market fluctuations contributed to his impressive track record. 

9. Cathie Wood 

Cathie Wood is the founder and CEO of ARK Invest, an investment management firm that focuses on disruptive innovation. Wood is known for her bold investment strategies and her focus on high-growth sectors such as technology, genomics, and fintech. Her flagship fund, the ARK Innovation ETF, has delivered impressive returns, making her one of the most influential investors in recent years. 

10. Mellody Hobson 

Mellody Hobson is the co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments, a Chicago-based investment firm. Hobson is a strong advocate for financial literacy and diversity in the investment industry. Under her leadership, Ariel Investments has grown significantly, and she has become a prominent voice in the world of finance. Hobson's investment philosophy focuses on long-term value and responsible investing. 

11. Li Lu 

Li Lu is a prominent investor of Asian descent, known for his success in value investing. Born in China, Li Lu moved to the United States and later founded Himalaya Capital Management. He is often referred to as the "Chinese Warren Buffett" due to his investment philosophy, which closely mirrors that of Buffett. Li Lu's approach focuses on identifying undervalued companies with strong growth potential and holding them for the long term. His success has made him a highly respected figure in the investment community.  

These investors have not only achieved extraordinary financial success but have also influenced the investment strategies of countless others. Their diverse approaches and unwavering commitment to their investing principles serve as valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of investing.