May 2, 2009, 4:47 PM ET

Munger Unusually Optimistic

Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman Charlie Munger is known for his dour views during the company’s annual shareholder meetings. But this year, he was unusually optimistic.

“As I move close to the edge of death, I find myself getting more cheerful about the economic future,” Munger, aged 85, said. (See related story: Here’s the Story on Berkshire’s Munger.)

Munger sees “a final breakthrough that solves the main technical problem of man,” he continued.

By harnessing the power of the sun, electrical power will become more available around the world. That will help humans turn sea water into fresh water and eliminate environmental problems, Munger explained.

“The main technical problem is about to be fixed,” he said. “If you have enough energy you can solve a lot of other problems.”