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 3⁄4 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 planes fly