"As I see it then, the formula runs something like this: a man must choose a path which will let his ABILITIES function at maximum efficiency toward the gratification of his DESIRES. In doing this, he is fulfilling a need (giving himself identity by functioning in a set pattern toward a set goal), he avoids frustrating his potential (choosing a path which puts no limit on his self-development), and he avoids the terror of seeing his goal wilt or lose its charm as he draws closer to it (rather than bending himself to meet the demands of that which he seeks, he has bent his goal to conform to his own abilities and desires).
In short, he has not dedicated his life to reaching a pre-defined goal, but he has rather chosen a way of life he KNOWS he will enjoy. The goal is absolutely secondary: it is the functioning toward the goal which is important. And it seems almost ridiculous to say that a man MUST function in a pattern of his own choosing; for to let another man define your own goals is to give up one of the most meaningful aspects of life— the definitive act of will which makes a man an individual." - Hunter S. Thompson
That's a good way to put it. Instead of optimizing for the causes (stable job, being suave, sending kids to private schools), optimize for the effects (money, good wife, well-adjusted kids).
Having achieved the main one of finding a partner and having children. Now it is to get into a position where I am making the most of my talents every day where I get to learn/create rather than just finish/complete.
Ideally, to prove that an outsider can win out over the establishment in the fields he or she is interested in, despite not coming from wealth, not having great personal connections and not winning some random genetic lottery.
While companionship and fulfillment are goals of mine, I do agree that having concrete goals is important. Right now I'm aiming to write a page of anything every day. Gotta get better at writing somehow.
Hey, yes, I know who he is and no, I didn't read his books, simply because I don't think any sane person will publish a working trading strategy... even if someone does, it will be quickly arbitraged away... Maybe the book has some truth to it and maybe it is a good read, but the fact is you'll have to put a lot of time and work to find an edge in the market... good luck and just remember, those people are making more money from books and "education" services than on the market itself... some of them don't even trade...
Thank you for the feedback. I get the impression he is fairly legit. He's not sale-y and he doesn't share his trading strategies in the book. It's more on how you go about it i.e. setup, back testing... My understanding is he still runs money today and the books are a side thing. I could be wrong though.
From reading your submissions, I might guess your British. Is that right? If so how do you deal with stamp duty on shares? Or do you avoid it by trading else where like in the US?
Hi again, maybe the book is worth it, I honestly don't know, but to back test trading strategies, you only need data and python... Also I don't live in the UK, so I have not researched this and I would strongly recommend talking to a good accountant to avoid costly mistakes...
My first goal in life is to find it. With our messed up world, as a 23yo, I don't quite know how to deal with that situation. But for sure, I want our civilization to stop polluting/destroying our planet and I seek for a better harmony between people and nature.
Actually, I had another HN a week ago that did hit the front page. I didn't see it there, but it got really high up, so I checked a twitter bot that posted stuff as it hit the front page. Sure enough, my post was there.
"As I see it then, the formula runs something like this: a man must choose a path which will let his ABILITIES function at maximum efficiency toward the gratification of his DESIRES. In doing this, he is fulfilling a need (giving himself identity by functioning in a set pattern toward a set goal), he avoids frustrating his potential (choosing a path which puts no limit on his self-development), and he avoids the terror of seeing his goal wilt or lose its charm as he draws closer to it (rather than bending himself to meet the demands of that which he seeks, he has bent his goal to conform to his own abilities and desires).
In short, he has not dedicated his life to reaching a pre-defined goal, but he has rather chosen a way of life he KNOWS he will enjoy. The goal is absolutely secondary: it is the functioning toward the goal which is important. And it seems almost ridiculous to say that a man MUST function in a pattern of his own choosing; for to let another man define your own goals is to give up one of the most meaningful aspects of life— the definitive act of will which makes a man an individual." - Hunter S. Thompson