Billionaire Charlie Munger Says He Got Rich By Learning 'A Little Bit About A Lot' – But Warns He Doesn't Recommend This To Others
Charlie Munger, Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett's longtime business partner, passed away in November 2023, shy of his 100th birthday. Munger had never been one to sugarcoat his thoughts and always offered blunt and honest advice.
At the 2017 Daily Journal Shareholders Meeting, he provided his perspective on how young people should think about success – and why they probably shouldn't follow his exact footsteps.
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Munger is known for his wide-ranging knowledge and he made billions by understanding "a little bit about a hell of a lot." But when asked about specialization, he didn't hesitate to admit he's not the ideal role model for the next generation. "I don't think I'm a good example to the young," Munger said. "I don't want to encourage people to follow my particular path."
He explained: "If you want to get rich the way I did, by learning a little bit about a hell of a lot, I don't recommend it to others."
While his unconventional approach has worked for him, Munger suggests that most people would do better focusing on a single area of expertise rather than trying to become jacks of all trades.
The Mozart Story: Why Asking for Directions Isn't Always the Best Move
In true Munger fashion, he didn't stop at a simple answer. Instead, he illustrated his point with a story about a young man who once asked Mozart how to compose symphonies. "You're too young," Mozart replied. When the man protested, pointing out that Mozart himself was composing at a young age, Mozart delivered the punchline: "Yeah, but I wasn't running around asking other people how to do it."
The lesson? Munger's path was one of self-direction and relentless curiosity. But he cautions that this approach isn't for everyone – and certainly not for those looking for a step-by-step guide to success.
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Specialization vs. Generalization: What's the Better Path?
Regarding today's world, Munger believes that specialization is the way forward, especially in fields that demand specific knowledge. "If you're a proctologist, I do not want a proctologist who knows Schopenhauer or astrophysics," Munger quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd. "I want a man who's specialized. That's the way the market is."
Munger doesn't completely dismiss the idea of being a generalist, but he's clear that it's a harder route for most people. The market values specialists; in his view, it's the safer, more reliable path to success.
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Rationality and Discipline: The Universal Keys to Success
While Munger doesn't recommend trying to replicate his strategy, he emphasizes the value of certain traits with broad applications. "The basic ideas of being rational and disciplined and deferring gratification, those will work," he said.
These principles can lead to long-term success in any field, whether you're a specialist or a generalist.
A Word of Caution for the Ambitious
Munger's message is clear: While looking to successful figures for a blueprint is tempting, trying to follow their exact path may not be the best idea. His advice for those aspiring to reach the same heights is simple: find your own way and focus on what works for you rather than chasing after someone else's formula. Munger may have learned "a little about a hell of a lot," but he's also wise enough to know that his method isn't for everyone.
His frankness about what worked for him – and what might work for others – is the kind of wisdom that never goes out of style.
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This article Billionaire Charlie Munger Says He Got Rich By Learning 'A Little Bit About A Lot' – But Warns He Doesn't Recommend This To Others originally appeared on Benzinga.com
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