Calm plants the seed of crazy

BigIdeas from 'Same as Ever' by Morgan Housel

In the quest to foresee our tomorrows, we often ponder queries like, “Where will the economy meander a year hence?” or “What novel shifts await us a decade down the line?” Yet, the art of predicting is a treacherous path, littered with the unpredictable.

The truly pivotal events that will sculpt our future are shrouded in uncertainty. Rather, the wiser inquiry lies in asking: What will endure a decade from now? What constants will we find a century ahead?

“The behaviors that never change are history’s most powerful lessons because they preview what to expect in the future”​​.

Grasping the unchanging elements offers a far richer insight and holds greater value than the speculative predictions of an elusive future. In “Same As Ever,” acclaimed author Morgan Housel shares 24 stories, each illuminating the eternal facets of life, human conduct, and the world of commerce.

Here goes the big ideas from the book (btw, this is an exclusive one as the book was launched just a few weeks ago)!

Hanging by a Thread

Realizing how little we know about the future despite understanding the past, this idea encapsulates life’s unpredictability. History, a winding path of unexpected events, teaches us that foreseeing the future is a gamble at best.

Embrace the unknowns and expect the unexpected. In this unpredictable journey, we find that our plans are mere guesses, and the real skill lies in adapting to whatever comes our way​​.

Risk Is What You Don’t See

The greatest risks are the ones hiding in plain sight, the surprises that catch us off guard. We fancy ourselves as fortune tellers, yet it’s the unanticipated events that truly shape our world.

This notion underlines the importance of preparing for the unknown rather than just the known, encouraging a mindset that respects the unforeseen and braces for the unpredictable twists of life​​.

Expectations and Reality

“Some things are immeasurably important. They’re either impossible or too elusive to quantify. But they can make all the difference in the world”​​.

Contentment starts with setting the bar where reality can reach. By keeping expectations in check, we align closer with life’s outcomes, reducing the gap between hope and reality. This simple truth reminds us that happiness often lies not in elevating our circumstances, but in moderating our expectations.

It’s a mental model for navigating life’s highs and lows, where the secret to contentment is not just in achieving more, but in expecting sensibly​​.

Wild Minds

The minds that fascinate us with their brilliance also challenge us with their eccentricities. This concept highlights the dual-edged sword of unique thinking. While we are drawn to unconventional minds for their innovative ideas, we must also be prepared for their unorthodox opinions that may clash with our own.

(You can read it for free on the nextbigwhat app: Android, iOS)