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"你不必非常聪明,只需比其他人平均稍微聪明一点,持续很长时间。"

Charlie Munger
Charlie Munger Investor
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Quote meaning
At its heart, this quote is all about the power of consistent, small advantages over time rather than relying on flashes of brilliance. It suggests that success doesn't require you to be the smartest person in the room. Instead, it's about being just a bit more perceptive or knowledgeable than others, and maintaining that edge over a long period.

This idea can be traced back to various fields and philosophies, including the concept of "marginal gains" in sports. Dave Brailsford, the British Cycling coach, famously applied this principle, focusing on making tiny improvements in numerous areas, which collectively led to significant performance boosts. This mindset isn't about big, heroic efforts—it's about steady, incremental progress.

To see this in action, let's look at investing. Warren Buffett, often considered one of the greatest investors of all time, didn't build his wealth through risky or flashy moves. Instead, he chose a strategy of consistently making slightly better decisions than the average investor. He focused on understanding businesses, looking for undervalued companies, and holding onto his investments for the long haul. Buffett's approach wasn't about brilliance in a traditional sense—it was about being wise, patient, and consistently making informed choices.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by identifying areas where small, consistent improvements could make a significant difference. Maybe it’s your daily work habits—can you find a way to be just a bit more organized or efficient? Or perhaps it's in your personal growth—could you spend a little time each day reading or learning something new? The key is to focus on sustainable practices that add up over time. Think about the habits you can form that will give you that slight edge, and stick with them.

Imagine you're a student preparing for exams. Instead of cramming last minute and trying to pull off a brilliant performance under pressure, what if you studied a little bit every day? You'd gradually build up a deeper understanding of the material, reducing stress and likely performing better. Or think about saving money. Rather than waiting for a windfall or trying to make a fortune on a risky investment, consistently saving a small amount from each paycheck can lead to substantial savings over time.

Picture this scenario: You're at a small company, and you're not the highest achiever or the most innovative mind there. But you consistently show up on time, you meet your deadlines, and you’re always willing to help a colleague in need. Over the years, you've built a reputation for reliability and wisdom. When a leadership position opens up, who do you think they'll consider? The person who occasionally dazzles with brilliance but is inconsistent, or you—the one who's steadily shown a bit more wisdom than the average?

In essence, this quote is a reassuring reminder that you don't need to be extraordinary to achieve success. It's about the long game—making small, wise choices consistently. Remember, you don’t have to be a genius. You just need to be a little bit wiser, a little more often, for a long time. And that’s something we can all strive for.
Related tags
Advantage Intelligence Life advice Long-term thinking Perseverance Personal growth Self-improvement Strategy Success Wisdom
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