Blog.
The 4th Industrial Revolution
It’s interesting how our world works. On the one hand, we admire success, yet on the other we often dismiss it. For example, many thought Jeff Bezos’s Amazon would be just another book retailer. Now, he and his company are considered revolutionary and an enormous success. However, as Einstein once said, “It’s all relative!” And Aristotle was known to start his arguments by stating “Let’s define the definitions!”
Thinking About Think...
Successful investing is about making good judgments and then acting on those judgments. We in this industry constantly learn from books, others' stories, observations, and experience. Our brains are wired to place our own experience at the top of the "how we learn" pyramid.
Theories, Diagnoses, and Actions
I miss my book Dictionary of Theories, which rests on a shelf at home. Years ago it sat, loved, on my bedside table. I enjoyed reading it, largely because it helped stretch my brain with quick summaries of theories from all sorts of disciplines, including those far outside the realms of economics and finance.
Becoming Prepared
Question: I have friends who keep gold coins and have food stored up— just in case. I used to laugh. But not anymore. Brexit didn’t make sense. Then India ran out of cash. Now Trump has me worried. Am I being stupid by not being prepared?
Respecting the Three C’s
Over my career, I’ve spoken and written quite a bit on the topics of complexity, connectedness, and change. Respect for these “three C’s” is something that our team at FIM Group regularly discusses as we analyze investments and manage portfolios. I recently circulated a report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, that includes Figure 1, showing major trends and five categories of risks (economic, environmental, societal, geopolitical, and technological) facing the global economy today.
Truthiness, Facts, Opinions, Alternative Facts, Manipulations, and Lies
I remember when I was about 16 years old, my dad, who was an elementary school principal, told me that one of his teachers had remarked that a particular student was “not worth the effort.” And then he said this to me: “Paul, kids are stupid. If you tell them they are smart, they will believe you.”
What has Happened to America?
Question: I can’t breathe. What has happened to America? How could Donald Trump get elected? I am so horrified and sad when I think about the next four years.
Current Observations
Happy New Year! I often get philosophical and reflective at the end of the year. I think about the past and reflect on the beautiful people I have known and those who are still in my life. I often miss and am saddened by memories of friends and family members who have lost their lives at relatively young ages. I also feel grateful to be alive in these exciting times. Each day seems to evolve and feel like a sort of “stay tuned for what’s next” drama.
How Do I Get on My Feet and Out Mom’s Door?
Question: I am 39 years old and want to find a nice boyfriend, eventually get married, and hopefully have a family. However, my finances are in bad shape: no debt, but no savings either. I have struggled with PTSD my entire adult life due to childhood trauma and have been unable to work for long periods of time. I am living with my mom, but I am trying very hard to get back on my feet. I am currently finishing up a course and hope to find a good permanent job and a decent place to live.
What if I Never Risk it All?
Question: I’m thinking about what I don’t want to regret in life and there’s one thing that keeps popping up. I’ve always been cautious. I’ve never risked it all. Should I give myself permission to just go for it? Or is that really being selfish or childish?