Charlie Munger : The Man With The Worldly Wisdom

There are very few people, whom I admire and get inspired by. The admiration and inspiration are never because of success, money, or fame. But what attracts me to them is the way they think and behave in life. Ethics, honesty, and integrity are the few timeless virtues by which I am enamored. And Charlie Munger was one among them. Probably on top of my list.

The more I read about him, the more I fell in love with him. Reading his interviews, listening to his talks, and reading about him is always an enriching experience. Every word he spoke was worldly wisdom. He was one among very few who had impacted my behavioral approach towards life and investing. A simple human being full of wit and wisdom.

Charlie Munger passed away on 28 Nov at the age of 99. A grave loss not only for the investing fraternity but to all those who were willing to learn and improve. He lived a truly successful, happy, and long life.

Charlie was known as a businessman, an investor, a partner to Warren Buffet at Berkshire Hathaway, and a philanthropist. But beyond all the hats he donned, he was a simple and pure sole, a thorough gentleman.

What makes him so special is his multidisciplinary approach to life. He could connect the dots from history to science to economics to human behavior. And that differentiated him from others.

In his every speech, maybe at Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholder meetings, university felicitations, or TV interviews, he always spoke about how to live a happy and enriched life. He always focused on three aspects of life and that is health, wealth, and happiness. There is a lot to learn for everyone from each word. Be it a teenager, a student, an employer, businessman, or a common man. He was an institution himself on behavioral approach towards life.

In an interview, he was asked about what is the secret to a long and happy life. He quipped:-

“You don’t have a lot of envy.

You don’t have a lot of resentment.

You don’t overspend your income.

You stay cheerful in spite of your troubles.

You deal with reliable people.

And you do what you’re supposed to do.”

It is such simple but profound advice, worth emulating for everyone.

And that’s why he is our role model at Defensive Investments. We will miss him and his worldly wisdom.

Thank You, Charlie. It was great learning from you.