It took me two days to read the book. I think this is the fastest and easiest non-fiction I’ve read. The way Houzel writes is very captivating, and you just can’t put it down. It might be that I read it so quickly simply because the topic of psychology in investing is my favorite. But for certain, this exceptionally intelligent person writes straightforward truths, presented and expressed through wonderfully captivating stories.
Right at the beginning, the author introduces the topic by saying:
“The way we handle money depends much less on what we know and how smart we are and much more on how we behave.“
Throughout the text, Houzel cites example after example, constantly reminding that emotions, attitudes, reactions, and behavioral patterns make the difference between being successful in long-term investing and having only a flashy, but brief success.
The author advocates for moderate investing and, in my view, makes a very skilled attempt to discipline his readers. Not necessarily to be conservative investors, but to be careful and appropriate in their attitudes and expectations. Houzel highlights myths, risks, human emotions like greed, happiness, overconfidence, etc. He definitely tries to shield his reader from the risks of investing, but does so in a very delicate manner, without offending or ridiculing one strategy or approach. He respects and understands well that sometimes the way we act is simply because we are humans and are prone to certain inclinations.
A very inspiring and useful book.