The recent passing of Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has left an indelible mark on the financial community. Beyond his profound insights into investments and business, Munger was an advocate for ethical conduct in the world of finance.
Charlie Munger’s quotes share a perspective on business, investing, and life that has left a lasting impact on the financial industry. As we reflect on his impactful legacy, we would like to share some of his most enduring quotes that reflect our philosophy.
1. “Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up.”
Our commitment to a diverse way of thinking aligns with Munger’s emphasis on continuous learning. His commitment to being a little wiser than you were is a timeless reminder for financial professionals to prioritise intellectual growth in a dynamic industry. Embracing a mindset of perpetual learning can be instrumental in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of finance.
2. “The big money is not in the buying and selling, but in the waiting.”
Patience, a virtue often underscored by Munger, is not just a financial strategy but a principle that extends to ethical business practices. Our belief in nurturing strong relationships and thinking long-term aligns with Munger’s emphasis on patience. Waiting for the right opportunities aligns with the notion that good businesses are built on solid foundations, including ethical considerations.
3. “Invert, always invert: Turn a situation or problem upside down. Look at it backward.”
Encouraging a culture of respect and support for diverse ideas and perspectives aligns with Munger’s principle of inversion, urging us to consider alternative viewpoints for comprehensive decision-making. Munger’s fondness for inversion as a thinking tool encourages us to approach problems from unique perspectives. Applying this principle to investment decisions can help in identifying potential pitfalls and identifying opportunities that others are not considering.
4. “It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent.”
Our investment philosophy, balancing narratives and numbers, resonates with Munger’s emphasis on choosing high-quality growing businesses. It reflects a nuanced approach to capturing long-term potential. By viewing it as a normal part of the market, we capitalise on opportunities presented by short-term fluctuations.
5. “Good businesses are ethical businesses. A business model that relies on trickery is doomed to fail.”
Businesses built on transparency, honesty, and integrity are better positioned for sustainable growth and resilience in the face of challenges, and our relentless commitment to ethical investing and transparency resonates with Munger’s belief. By prioritising ethical practices, we ensure the long-term success and sustainability of our investments.
As we bid farewell to Charlie Munger, we honour not only his profound financial insights but also his commitment to ethical conduct in business. We carry forward his principles of continuous learning, patience, strategic thinking, and, above all, a dedication to building businesses on ethical foundations for long term prosperity.
