Warren Buffett and Tao Te Ching: A Modern Investor and an Age-Old Philosophy

Description

According to a Chinese adage, the highest form of smartness resembles dumbness. If this is true, then Warren Buffett is definitely the "dumbest" person in modern times. However, Warren Buffett may not be the "dumbest" man in human history. Lao Tzu, the mysterious author of Tao Te Ching, was at least as "dumb" as Warren Buffett. Look at what they said:

Lao Tzu said, "Reduce activity. This is the way to success." Warren Buffett said, "Inactivity strikes us as intelligent behavior." Lao Tzu said, "(Sages) achieve their goals without pursuing them." Warren Buffett said, "We continue to make more money when snoring than when active." Lao Tzu said, "The inactive ones rise to the top in the world." Warren Buffett said, "Our stay-put behavior reflects our view that the stock market serves as a relocation center at which money is moved from the active to the patient." Lao Tzu said, "People spoil things because they act on them." Warren Buffett said, "In discussion how managers with bright, but adrenalin-soaked minds scramble after foolish acquisitions, I quoted Pascal: It has struck me that all the misfortunes of men spring from the single cause that they are unable to stay quietly in one room. " Lao Tzu said, "Abandon great and smart theories, the people will be better off." Warren Buffett said, "To invest successfully, you need not understand beta, efficient markets, modern portfolio theory, option pricing or emerging markets. You may, in fact, better off knowing nothing of them." Lao Tzu said, "Relying on smartness in governance is the nation s curse. Not relying on smartness in governance is the nation s blessing." Warren Buffett said, "Investment success will not be produced by arcane formulae, computer programs or signals flashed by the price behavior of stocks and markets." Lao Tzu said, "The reliance of prophecy signals the beginning of foolishness." Warren Buffett said, "We will continue to ignore political and economic forecasts, which are an expensive distraction for many investors and businessmen." Lao Tzu said, "Daring not to be the first in the world leads to superiority. If one strives for the first instead of staying behind, one is doomed." Warren Buffett said, "Our interest in new venture...can best be expressed by another Goldwynism: Please include me out. " Lao Tzu said, "(Sages) produce but take nothing." Warren Buffett said, "Every share of Berkshire that I own is destined to go to philanthropies, and I want society to reap the maximum good from these gifts and bequests."

Confucius once said, "People may get the sage s smartness, but can never reach the sage s dumbness. " Because what sets the sage apart from ordinary people is the "dumbness" rather than the "smartness," what people need to learn from the sage is the "dumbness," rather than the"smartness."

If you are interested in Warren Buffett s "dumbness," this is the only book you can find in the world. All the other books on Warren Buffett deal with his "smartness." If you are interested in Tao Te Ching, this is the only book that illustrates the philosophy with real examples in business management and investing. This book consists of the translation of Tao Te Ching, annotations to each chapter, excerpts of Warren Buffett s writings, and comparison of the "dumbness" of Lao Tzu and Warren Buffett. By using Lao Tzu as an exampe, you can gain a better understanding of Warren Buffett s "dumbness." By using Warren Buffett as an example, you can in turn make sense of Lao Tzu s "dumbness."