The Happiness Ruse

In 1920, the American psychologist John B Watson published the results of one of the more ethically dubious scholarly articles of the past century. Along with Rosalie Rayner, a 21-year-old graduate student at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he taught, Watson aimed to instil a specific fear in an otherwise normal baby. Until then,…

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Belief or Data

When I first came into contact with the world of finance I did so having migrated from a world that was somewhat ruthless when it came to intellectual rigour. My expectation was that finance would be similar after all money is important. instead, I found a world that was resplendent in myths, partial truths, assumptions…

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The Difference Between Amateurs and Professionals

Amateurs stop when they achieve something. Professionals understand that the initial achievement is just the beginning. Amateurs have a goal. Professionals have a process. Amateurs think they are good at everything. Professionals understand their circles of competence. Amateurs see feedback and coaching as someone criticizing them as a person. Professionals know they have weak spots and seek out…

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Who Actually Feels Satisfied About Money?

These days, not even the rich feel rich. According to a recent survey by the financial-advisory firm Ameriprise Financial, only 13 percent of American millionaires classify themselves as wealthy. Even some of those surveyed who had more than $5 million across their bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts said they didn’t feel rich. If multimillionaires don’t feel…

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