Art, Craft, Science

The intriguing combination?

Dear Diary

I’ve been wondering why I find investing quite so engaging a topic. After all, I only really started into it a couple of years ago. I am the opposite of a 11 year old Buffett buying a stock. I am though pretty bitten by the investing bug.

I was in the military for quite a while and I found it equally engaging. On reflection both investing and defence involve elements of art, science and craft. The art is that creative element, the spark of inspiration; the science the technology and data; the craft the refining of personal skill and judgement.

Another way to look at the mix I found so heady is the combination of people and stuff. Investing is often about psychology be it personal or of crowds, the stuff is the data, assets, and money. Defence is similar.

It probably provides a useful reminder of remaining holistic in my viewpoint. The mix, the combination, of different elements is the important bit. That will only happen effectively if you pursue and grasp all the elements. Just as those who obsess on how fast a fighter jet can fly are missing the point in generating effective air defence, getting fixated on only one aspect of investing is going to have a rough experience.

So dearest diary, I need to work on all aspects of my game. I wonder what aspects I’m neglecting?