I had written a lengthy post in 2015 on the subject of required reading for investors, which also included thoughts from Prof. Sanjay Bakshi and my own reading spectrum.
This latest post is an update on the same and includes my revised reading spectrum (not a major change over last time, but some meaningful additions).
For a change, I am not writing much in today’s post and would rather let the following two illustrations do the talking (Click on the images below to download them in large size).
The core idea is that, in true pursuit of wisdom in investing and life, we must read much more of what has endured over time (like supertexts, history, biographies, etc.) than what is ephemeral (like newspapers etc.)
I will end with a thought from Elon Musk on how to learn things deeper. Musk answered this to a question on how he does that himself –
It is important to view knowledge as sort of a semantic tree — make sure you understand the fundamental principles, i.e. the trunk and big branches, before you get into the leaves/details or there is nothing for them to hang onto.
You see, often it happens that we want to dive into the deep end before we learn how to swim. So when you want to learn a new subject, identify the fundamental principles first – the trunk and big branches. Learn those things first and deep, and you’ll be able to figure out the leaves and figs – mostly noise – much easier.
Finally, use the Feynman Technique when you want to learn something clearer and deeper…
Let me know your thoughts on these illustrations in the Comments section of this post, and a few of the supertexts – on investing, human, behavior, thinking, learning, etc. – that you think others and I must read and that are not covered above.
Vishal ,
really some great words of wisdom.
It is definitely helpful in the time of information overload. This will help us in refining what to read and how to build upon knowledge, Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us
Great. After random reading for years, i switched to reading all the books, super texts recommended by you. Thanks for all your recommendations.
Hi Vishal if possible you can summarize some the greatest books and post it here so that a busy person can read.
I think that should be a premium product 🙂
Excellent post.
Keep up your good work
Hey Vishal,
This post is too good. As usual. Totally agree on Peter Bevelin. I read the Seeking Wisdom summary on Dever Siver’s site and it was just eye opening.
Didn’t know you were a Tim Ferriss fan. Great to know that you are!
Would you mind sharing how you did you create the info graphics?
Thanks Vishal for presenting the things in simple words. Indeed it’s very useful.
Amazing Vishal Sir. Just love the way you portrayed semantic tree by Elon!!
Wow, I feel like I am a child left in a candyland, so much to learn. Amazed by the simple yet effective explanation of Wisdom Tree.
Semantic tree by Elon! Nice potrayed. Keep it up! Great information to go for.
Very good article 👌. You told the way of reading and learn, it’s important. Thank you so much for sharing.
With best wishes and regards 😊
I am currently studying your mastermind course and honestly that is a very very good starting point. Infact it is a thorough course which I am currently enjoying. I would highly recommend it to someone who is looking to learn investing. Its money well invested in yourself.
A blog worth reading;
of dollars and data by Nick M
Morgan Housel
A wealth of common sense
Simple & Informative!