I believe Warren Buffett has influenced many investors' thinking more from a long-term perspective. Buffett has suggested that investing in equity shares should be done as a prospective owner. And as a prospective owner one should ensure superior returns. And constant positive returns can be ensured when an investor bets on stock with real quality. High quality stocks can outperform the publicly traded benchmarks and does so with lower risk.
I found an interesting read on the same perspective. Here's the link for the same: http://multi-act.com/warren-buffett-way-high-quality-stocks-emerging-markets/”
I think he wanted to realize a childhood dream of playing choo choos when he bought that railroad. Probably making money with it too.