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"自分がどこで死ぬかを知りたいだけだからそこには絶対に行かないようにする"

Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger Investor
Translations
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Quote meaning
The core idea here is essentially about avoiding future pitfalls by being aware of them in advance. You can't always know exactly what’s going to happen, but you can take steps to steer clear of the obvious dangers if you know where they are.

The context of this quote is pretty interesting. It’s often attributed to Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett's right-hand man at Berkshire Hathaway. Munger is known for his wit and wisdom, and he’s big on the idea of inversion—thinking about problems backward to find solutions. He’s saying, in his characteristic humorous way, that if you could know where or what would cause your downfall, you’d simply make sure to stay away from it. It’s all about being proactive and thinking ahead to avoid disaster.

Let’s take a real-life example, something vivid. Imagine you're a young entrepreneur, eager to start your own business. You’ve probably heard that a significant percentage of new businesses fail within the first few years. So, what do you do? You seek out the reasons why businesses fail—poor management, lack of capital, not understanding the market—and you make sure you’re prepared to tackle those issues head-on. You plan, you budget wisely, you research your market inside and out. You essentially identify where the “business graveyard” is and take a different path.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by thinking about potential risks in whatever you’re planning, whether it's a business venture, a personal goal, or even a relationship. Identify the things that could lead to failure and address them before they become a problem. This might mean building a financial cushion before starting your business, developing strong communication skills to avoid relationship breakdowns, or simply learning from others’ mistakes. It’s all about foresight and preparation.

Here’s a scenario to make it more relatable. Picture this: You're planning a big hiking trip. You’re excited, but you’re also aware that hiking comes with risks—getting lost, running out of supplies, bad weather. So, you do your homework. You check the weather forecast, study the trail, pack extra food and water, and maybe even take a basic first-aid course. You’re identifying potential dangers and preparing for them. By doing this, you’re significantly reducing your chances of running into trouble.

In conclusion, the wisdom here is about being smart and cautious. By thinking about where you don’t want to end up, whether it’s literally or metaphorically, you can make better decisions and take actions that steer you in a safer, more successful direction. It's not about living in fear but about being prepared and staying one step ahead of potential problems. So next time you’re faced with a big decision or a new challenge, ask yourself: What could go wrong, and how can I avoid it? By doing this, you’re much more likely to stay on the path to success.
Related tags
Decision making Destiny Existentialism Fate Fear of death Future Life choices Mortality Philosophy
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