Book Review | Richer, Wiser, Happier by William Green

By Jared Tilley | Senior Investment Analyst at NAOS Asset Management

Book Review | Richer, Wiser, Happier

William Green, who is a renowned journalist, having appeared in publications such as Bloomberg Markets, Time, The New Yorker and The Economist has spent close to 25 years interviewing some of the best investors across the globe, and what can only be described as a masterpoint, won’t let you down.

In this detailed and insightful book, Green takes the reader on a journey into the minds of more than 40 investors, not only does he shed light on their processes and investing habits but key traits and their life principles.

Covering the who’s who of investing ranging from the likes of Howard Marks, Monhish Pabrai, Sir John Templeton, Bill Ackman, Warren Buffett and many more, Green covers countless insights.

"The most surprising part of the book is the topics Green delves into, in particular areas outside of investing, including psychology, philosophy, sport, and many more in the attempt to educate the reader on how to live a better life. The book is a must-read!!!!"

Top quotes from the book include:

• “I believe in the discipline of mastering the best that other people have ever figured out. I don’t believe in just sitting down and trying to dream it all up yourself. Nobody’s that smart” - Charlie Munger
• “The number one skill in investing is patience - extreme patience” – Monhish Pabrai
• “The one with the greatest information is likely to come out ahead. It takes a huge amount of work and study and investigation” - Sir John Templeton
• “Look, luck is not enough, but equally, intelligence is not enough, hard work is not enough, and even perseverance is not necessarily enough. You need some combination of all four. We all know people who were intelligent and worked hard but didn’t get lucky.” - Howard Marks
• “I compensate for the lack of intellect with more discipline and steadiness and persistence” – Tom Gayner
• “The idea that life is a series of adversities and each one is an opportunity to behave well instead of badly is a very, very good idea” – Charlie Munger
• “After it's all said and done, these are the three most important things to me. Never compromise what you believe in. Never be satisfied with what you are, only with what you can be. And never give up.” – Arnold Van Den Berg

Link to Book