Wednesday, July 23, 2008

"SIR ISAAC NEWTON" , a poor Investor

Back in the spring of 1720, Sir Isaac Newton owned shares in the South Sea Company, the hottest stock in England. Sensing that the market was getting out of hand, the great physician muttered that he " Could calculate the motions of the heavenly bodies, but not the madness of the people". Newton dumped his South Sea shares, pocketing a 100% profit totaling $1 million. But just months later, swept up in the wild enthusiasm of the market, Newton jumped back in at a much higher price and lost $3 million. For the rest of his life , he forbade anyone to speak the words "South Sea" in his presence. Thus being a better investor is a matter of 'character' than matter of 'brain'.

1 comment:

Lisa said...

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