Millions, billions, trillions — we all know the words, but the sums involved are almost impossible to comprehend. Let’s put physical dimensions to the numbers: If you convert $1 million into newly-printed $100 bills, you will have a stack that reaches your chest. Perform the same exercise with $1 billion — this is getting exciting! — and the stack reaches about ¾ of a mile into the sky. Finally, imagine piling up $32 billion, the total of Berkshire’s 2012-21 federal income tax payments. Now the stack grows to more than 21 miles in height, about three times the level at which commercial
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