charlie munger的快樂術

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how to gain happiness, from charlie munger's perspective?

According to Charlie Munger, the key to gaining happiness is not about achieving more or having higher expectations, but rather about adopting a few simple, often contrarian, rules for living. He believed that many people's unhappiness stems from self-inflicted misery and destructive thought patterns.



Here's a breakdown of his perspective on happiness:

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1. Lower Your Expectations
This is arguably Munger's most famous rule for a happy life. He believed that unrealistic, high expectations are the quickest route to unhappiness. By having low expectations, you are better prepared for life's inevitable setbacks and more likely to be pleasantly surprised by positive outcomes. This doesn't mean you shouldn't be ambitious, but that you should strive to be content with what you have while working to improve.

2. Avoid Envy, Resentment, and Self-Pity
Munger considered these three emotions to be the most toxic and destructive. He famously called envy "a really stupid sin because it's the only one you could never possibly have any fun at." He argued that focusing on what others have or feeling sorry for yourself leads to nothing but misery and blinds you to the good things in your own life.

3. Be Reliable and Find Reliable People
Munger stressed the importance of being a reliable person yourself and of surrounding yourself with people you can trust. He believed that living an honorable life and dealing with trustworthy individuals is essential for both business success and personal happiness.

4. Do What You Are Good At
Munger advised that people should figure out where their talents and interests lie and then "do what you're supposed to do." He believed that trying to succeed in an area where you have no aptitude is a surefire way to have a miserable and unproductive career.

5. Be Disciplined and Live Within Your Means
He emphasized the importance of not overspending your income, as living in debt creates unnecessary stress and unhappiness. This principle of living below your means also extends to investing, where he warned against using excessive leverage.