Timeless wisdom from Meditations
Timeless wisdom from Meditations
2,000 year old lessons for investment managers.
When I read, I have a habit of taking notes on the most important concepts and attempting to relate them to what I do on a daily basis. Today I’m trying something a little different from my usual content. I’m taking some of my personal notes and drafting them into a post that is hopefully helpful to readers in explaining some important behavioral finance lessons. Let me know if this is style of content is beneficial. Enjoy!
Introduction
As investors, it is essential to understand the myriad of factors that can impact our decision-making process. It's easy to get caught up in the complexities of the market, but sometimes we need to take a step back and reflect on the broader aspects of our lives. One of the most influential texts on personal philosophy and introspection is "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor, and Stoic philosopher. In this post, we will delve into the key teachings of "Meditations" and explore how they can be applied to our professional lives as investors and improve our personal well-being.
I. Understanding Stoicism and the "Meditations"
Before diving into the lessons from "Meditations," it is crucial to understand the core principles of Stoicism. This ancient Greco-Roman philosophy emphasizes the development of self-control, resilience, and clear judgment to cultivate inner strength and tranquility. Stoics believe that we should focus on what is within our control – our thoughts, emotions, and actions – and not be swayed by external factors.
"Meditations" is a collection of personal reflections written by Marcus Aurelius, who served as Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD. He penned these thoughts during his time in military campaigns, and they were not initially intended for publication. The text is divided into 12 books, which touch on themes such as self-improvement, the nature of the universe, and the importance of rationality and virtue.
II. Key Lessons from "Meditations" and Their Applications to Investing
1. Focus on what is within your control
Lesson: Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the importance of concentrating on the things within our control and not being influenced by external factors beyond our reach. This approach helps us maintain inner peace and equanimity in the face of adversity.
Application: In the world of investing, there are many factors beyond our control, such as market fluctuations, geopolitical events, and economic downturns. As investors, we must learn to accept these uncertainties and concentrate on what we can control, such as our investment strategy, risk management, and research process. By doing so, we can make more rational decisions and reduce the impact of stress on our well-being.
Example: When the market experiences a sudden downturn, instead of panicking and making hasty decisions, a stoic investor would assess their portfolio, re-evaluate their investment strategy, and adjust their positions accordingly. By focusing on what is within their control, they can navigate challenging market conditions with greater clarity and composure.
2. Accept the impermanence of all things
Lesson: Marcus Aurelius repeatedly reminds us of the transient nature of life and the importance of accepting change. He writes, "Loss is nothing else but change, and change is Nature's delight" (Book VII, 18).
Application: The stock market is inherently unpredictable, and the fortunes of companies rise and fall with time. As investors, we must accept the impermanent nature of our investments and be prepared to adapt our strategies when necessary. By doing so, we can become more resilient and less emotionally attached to specific stocks or market conditions.
Example: Consider the rise and fall of once-dominant companies like Nokia or Kodak. A stoic investor would recognize that change is inevitable and be prepared to pivot their investment strategy when new opportunities or challenges arise, rather than clinging to outdated assumptions or past successes.
3. Practice rationality and objective judgment
Lesson: One of the core tenets of Stoicism is the importance of rationality and clear thinking. Marcus Aurelius believed that we should strive to see things objectively, free from the distortions of our personal biases and emotions. He writes, "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth" (Book XII, 8).
Application: As portfolio managers, we must cultivate the ability to analyze information objectively and make investment decisions based on rational judgment rather than emotions or preconceived notions. By doing so, we can minimize the influence of cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias or loss aversion, which can lead to poor decision-making.
Example: Suppose an investor has a personal affinity for a particular company due to factors unrelated to its financial performance, such as its brand or products. A stoic investor would recognize the potential for emotional bias and focus on objective financial data and market analysis to make a well-informed decision. This approach helps to prevent impulsive, emotionally-driven actions that may lead to suboptimal investment outcomes.
4. Embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth
Lesson: Marcus Aurelius teaches that adversity is an essential part of life, and we should view challenges as opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement. He writes, "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way" (Book V, 20).
Application: In the world of investing, we will inevitably face setbacks and challenges, such as losing money on a particular investment or experiencing a market downturn. Rather than dwelling on these negative events, we can view them as opportunities to learn and grow as investors. By analyzing our mistakes, we can refine our investment strategies and develop greater resilience in the face of future challenges.
Example: When an investment underperforms, a stoic investor would view this as an opportunity to learn and improve. They would analyze the reasons behind the underperformance, identify areas for improvement in their research or decision-making process, and apply these insights to future investments. This mindset allows them to transform setbacks into valuable learning experiences that contribute to their long-term success.
Conclusion
The teachings of Marcus Aurelius in "Meditations" offer valuable insights into the nature of the human experience and can be applied to various aspects of our lives, including investment management. By embracing Stoic principles such as focusing on what is within our control, accepting impermanence, practicing rationality and objective judgment, and viewing adversity as an opportunity for growth, we can become better investors and cultivate inner strength and tranquility.
While "Meditations" was written nearly two millennia ago, its timeless wisdom is just as relevant today. As we navigate the complex world of investing, the teachings of Marcus Aurelius can serve as a guiding light, helping us make rational decisions, manage risk effectively, and maintain our composure in the face of uncertainty.
— Brant
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