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All I Want To Know Is Where I'm Going To Die So I'll Never Go There
All I Want to Know concerns the fictitious Seeker and his visit to the “Library of Wisdom” where he meets another fictitious character, the Librarian, along with Buffett and Munger. The Seeker learns how to make better decisions to help his children avoid doing the dumb things he has done. For instance, he learns from
Buffett and Munger the best way to prevent trouble is to avoid it altogether by learning what works and what does not. This is not a book for those who like complexities or advanced math. Rather it’s for those who love efficiency, simplicity and common sense or judgment - hallmarks of Buffett & Munger.
Buffett and Munger the best way to prevent trouble is to avoid it altogether by learning what works and what does not. This is not a book for those who like complexities or advanced math. Rather it’s for those who love efficiency, simplicity and common sense or judgment - hallmarks of Buffett & Munger.
280 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 24, 2016
If you can read and understand English, there is no excuse not to read this book.. More wisdom per page than any other book I have read till date. This is THE BEST BOOK I have read till date on life, Business and Investments
February 18, 2018
Hats off to Peter Bevelin for putting this wonderful book together! This book is really a crash course on life, investing and rational thinking delivered through the timeless wisdom of Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett and countless other great thinkers. If you want to make a collection of great quotes, this book would be the place to start, as it has got thousands of them.
What is really appealing about the principles advocated in the book is the simplicity. The book contains guiding philosophy for life, and can be read by anyone (even those not remotely interested in investing).
What is really appealing about the principles advocated in the book is the simplicity. The book contains guiding philosophy for life, and can be read by anyone (even those not remotely interested in investing).
June 7, 2023
I’m grateful to the author for compiling such wisdom into an engaging narration. Reading any page(s) from this book is going to help in someway or the other. Highly recommend!
March 18, 2018
Possibly the best book I will ever read in my life, it is the accumulated wisdom of two of the wisest people of our generation - Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger; and is the ultimate treatise on business, investing and life.
Honestly, there is no reason good enough for not reading this book. A fabulous gift by a teacher to a student!
Honestly, there is no reason good enough for not reading this book. A fabulous gift by a teacher to a student!
November 10, 2021
Guy is broke and dumb. He wants to stop being that way. He goes to a library. In it he meets a Librarian, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. They talk for 200 pages to help the seeker become less dumb and broke.
Awesome book. Did a ton of notes. All the dialogues from Munger and Buffett are quotes from various places.
Awesome book. Did a ton of notes. All the dialogues from Munger and Buffett are quotes from various places.
September 4, 2017
This book is the mix/compilation of quotes from Buffet's and Munger's speeches, letters to shareholders etc made into a story of the Seeker, who dreamed and got into imaginative library with the Librarian and Munger and Buffet.
In general, the book repeats the same content from other books (Poor Charlie Almanac, Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger) but it is worth to be read again and again: there are some new advices on investing, hiring, decision making, the philosophy of the life.
In general, the book repeats the same content from other books (Poor Charlie Almanac, Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger) but it is worth to be read again and again: there are some new advices on investing, hiring, decision making, the philosophy of the life.
January 22, 2018
In the top 5 of my favorite books. A must read for everyone in sake of wisdom for life, investment and business.
February 6, 2019
So. Many. Typos.
First, I'll say that there is a lot of good content in the book. And the author clearly has done a lot of research and categorization.
The approach the author takes is to create two fictional characters - the Seeker and the Librarian - that he uses to connect excerpts and quotes from Buffet and Munger. It's kind of an Eastern approach to telling a story, one which is mildly disruptive in the best case, very disruptive here. Couple this with the thousands of typos that range from small blips to "what does this sentence even mean?"
The content would be much better delivered through a Cliff Notes approach; you'd miss nothing and gain quite a bit of time back.
I need to go back and find the source that recommended this...
First, I'll say that there is a lot of good content in the book. And the author clearly has done a lot of research and categorization.
The approach the author takes is to create two fictional characters - the Seeker and the Librarian - that he uses to connect excerpts and quotes from Buffet and Munger. It's kind of an Eastern approach to telling a story, one which is mildly disruptive in the best case, very disruptive here. Couple this with the thousands of typos that range from small blips to "what does this sentence even mean?"
The content would be much better delivered through a Cliff Notes approach; you'd miss nothing and gain quite a bit of time back.
I need to go back and find the source that recommended this...
June 22, 2019
Amazing book. I don’t think I have ever read modern books filled with so many useful ideas (maybe Nassim Taleb) then the ones by Peter Bevelin. Fantastic book!
I my opinion he puts Munger and Buffett on a bit too high of a pedestal because there are areas where they are the worst people to ask advice (Dating, Health, Fitness, real Entrepreneurship (!), Technology). Also they are pretty much polar opposites of someone like Elon Musk in that they don’t think progress but profit from status quo.
I my opinion he puts Munger and Buffett on a bit too high of a pedestal because there are areas where they are the worst people to ask advice (Dating, Health, Fitness, real Entrepreneurship (!), Technology). Also they are pretty much polar opposites of someone like Elon Musk in that they don’t think progress but profit from status quo.
May 27, 2016
Beautiful book. Great conceptualisation on the part of the author. He has been very careful not to dilute or change in any way what Mr Buffett and Mr Munger have said over the years, but instead has added his own insight as well (through the voice of the Librarian). This is a book which talks about how to live life.
February 11, 2018
Amazing book. Every single paragraph is a wisdom to the life. It covers different aspects of the life (marriage, education, college, ...) as well as business, investment, common sense, etc. This book is not for fast reading since there is so much wisdom and knowledge that you have to seat and think about it.
February 28, 2017
Masterpiece.
For those interested in Charlie Munger this book is great. The central idea is that avoiding stupidity is the easier way to greatness. Many lessons and insights. This book is even better than Seeking Wisdom, also by Peter Bevelin. Enjoyed it.
For those interested in Charlie Munger this book is great. The central idea is that avoiding stupidity is the easier way to greatness. Many lessons and insights. This book is even better than Seeking Wisdom, also by Peter Bevelin. Enjoyed it.
December 15, 2017
В одной книге собраны цитаты из интервью и публичных выступлений Уоррена Баффетта и его бизнес-партнера Чарли Мунгера. Автор проделал огромную работу. Он систематизировал и разбил на главные темы около двух тысяч высказываний Баффетта и Мунгера и записал их в форме разговора между ними, воображаемым человеком, который ищет мудрые советы и библиотекарем. Немного странный формат книги. Но главное, что в одном месте собраны все подходы и принципы наших любимых инвесторов
January 11, 2021
أعتقد أن الكثير من الناس يجعلون الأمور أكثر تعقيدًا مما يحتاجون إليه ، وخاصة بين الأشخاص الذين يعتقدون أنهم أذكياء جدًا ، بحيث يميلون إلى تعقيد الأشياء بشكل مفرط حتى يتمكنوا من إظهار مدى موهبتهم وذكائهم. ولكن في مطاردتهم للمفاهيم الأنيقة ، غالبًا ما يتم تشتيت انتباههم عن الحقائق البسيطة. مثلما قال «فرانسوا دو لا روشفوكولد» : "الرغبة في الظهور بمظهر ذكي غالبًا ما تمنع المرء من أن يكون كذلك".
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Peter Bevelin
Translated By #Maher_Razouk
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Peter Bevelin
Translated By #Maher_Razouk
February 15, 2023
This is the first book since Godel Escher Bach which made me take out pen and paper and take notes. This is also the book which I have read at the slowest pace since GEB because it has so much to think about. Highly highly recommended.
April 18, 2024
This book is a wonderful read learning from two of the greatest investors of the last century. Bevelin does an excellent job making the content digestible and fun to read.
The books’ title says it all, but by reading it you will be all the more convinced. Learn what is stupid, avoid stupid, and keep it simple. If you do so, you will do just fine.
The books’ title says it all, but by reading it you will be all the more convinced. Learn what is stupid, avoid stupid, and keep it simple. If you do so, you will do just fine.
October 22, 2017
SUCCESS IN INVESTING COMBINES EXTREME PATIENCE WITH EXTREME DECISIVENESS.
You only have to be right on a very, very few things in your lifetime as long as you never make any big mistakes.
We think the best way to minimise risk is to think.
To be wiser you need to read and think.
It is easy to get so busy that you no longer have time to think - you pay a huge price for that.
To succeed in investing you need patience and discipline and an ability to take losses and adversity without going crazy.
Look for insight in inversion - invert, always invert.
In business and in investments its usually far more profitable to simply stick with the easy and obvious that it is to resolve the difficult.
All commissioned salesmen have a tendency to serve the transaction instead of the truth.
You'd be amazed at how fast things can change.
No one can preserver long in a fictitious character, for nature will soon reassert itself (Seneca).
Successful people say no to almost everything. They keep control of their time.'
Investing is sacrificing now in the hopes of something better.
Margin of safety - always leave some extra room for things.
If temperament is the most important personal asset in managing money, in business its passion.
Think how much life is simplified and improved when you are around people you can trust.
With clear thoughts comes simplicity.
Being a low cost producer of something thats essential to people is going to be a very good business usually.
Games are won by players who focus on the playing field, not the scorecard.
You only have to be right on a very, very few things in your lifetime as long as you never make any big mistakes.
We think the best way to minimise risk is to think.
To be wiser you need to read and think.
It is easy to get so busy that you no longer have time to think - you pay a huge price for that.
To succeed in investing you need patience and discipline and an ability to take losses and adversity without going crazy.
Look for insight in inversion - invert, always invert.
In business and in investments its usually far more profitable to simply stick with the easy and obvious that it is to resolve the difficult.
All commissioned salesmen have a tendency to serve the transaction instead of the truth.
You'd be amazed at how fast things can change.
No one can preserver long in a fictitious character, for nature will soon reassert itself (Seneca).
Successful people say no to almost everything. They keep control of their time.'
Investing is sacrificing now in the hopes of something better.
Margin of safety - always leave some extra room for things.
If temperament is the most important personal asset in managing money, in business its passion.
Think how much life is simplified and improved when you are around people you can trust.
With clear thoughts comes simplicity.
Being a low cost producer of something thats essential to people is going to be a very good business usually.
Games are won by players who focus on the playing field, not the scorecard.
October 10, 2018
After reading this book, it is evident that you cannot go more than a few pages without a wonderful statement from Munger/Buffet, or from another visionary of the past. Although the books is filled with great bits of knowledge and the conversation-style writing provides a unique way of pulling together so many unbelievable thoughts, it was frustrating to read. Nonetheless, if you can get past the issues below, you will take away some very good knowledge that can provide a lot of value in business, investing and life in general. I don't believe it's worth a full four-stars, but it is better than three based solely on the knowledge therein.
1) It is clear that this book was not proofread carefully (or at all). The number of misspelled words or incorrect words used throughout is unacceptable in any published work. Even some of the lighter comments used as a Segway to new sections had unnecessary errors "I better take another scope of ice cream".
2) The conversation-style writing was at times both tiring and actually rude. Many comments seemed out of place and actually hindered the readability of the book.
3) There is a lot of repetition and not in the traditional way where one subject would be overly explained in a section and then the author would move onto something else. Although some of these points were worth re-iterating at multiple points throughout the book, many times the quotes seemed forced. Also, there was a lot of repetition in this book (See what I did here? Get ready for more of it).
Overall, the book is worth reading. I just could not recommend it to anyone without the caveats above.
1) It is clear that this book was not proofread carefully (or at all). The number of misspelled words or incorrect words used throughout is unacceptable in any published work. Even some of the lighter comments used as a Segway to new sections had unnecessary errors "I better take another scope of ice cream".
2) The conversation-style writing was at times both tiring and actually rude. Many comments seemed out of place and actually hindered the readability of the book.
3) There is a lot of repetition and not in the traditional way where one subject would be overly explained in a section and then the author would move onto something else. Although some of these points were worth re-iterating at multiple points throughout the book, many times the quotes seemed forced. Also, there was a lot of repetition in this book (See what I did here? Get ready for more of it).
Overall, the book is worth reading. I just could not recommend it to anyone without the caveats above.
June 17, 2016
Peter bevelin never ceases to surprise us. This book is easily one of the best books in recent times. This is good for both beginner and experts. just loved reading it.
July 22, 2016
One of those books to have if you are lost on island forever
February 22, 2020
Excellent content. Lots of highlights. Didn’t like reading it.
This is a dialogue between four characters: Munger, Buffett, Librarian, and Seeker. Munger and Buffett’s passages are made entirely of their own past quotes. There are 1,827 cited quotes. They're from annual meetings, annual reports, interviews, speaking events, and other books. The Seeker is Bevelin’s portrayal of you, the reader. You’re there to tee up topics and the next wave of quotes by asking questions. You say natural things like “By the way, what is real friendship?” and “More?”. The Librarian is anything Bevelin wants to add to the topic. Every page feels forced, but how else do you share 1,827 quotes?
This book has the most typos I’ve ever read. Averaging one every other page, maybe. If you’re skeptical, look no further than the first sentence on the book’s back cover. Second place for most typos I’ve seen is Seeking Wisdom, also by Bevelin. You write books about Buffett and Munger! Your publisher can't swing an editor, freelancer, or someone off the street to give these a once-over?
Worth the read if you know what you’re getting into. The variety and sheer collection of Buffett and Munger's advice is amazing. Just categorizing the book's quotes without added dialogue, condensing them down (many passages got repetitive), and getting rid of endless pages of block text would make this a more enjoyable read. My notes have headings like prevention, trust, temperament, etc. If the book was similar, maybe it would be easier to revisit for specific advice.
Part One: On Fatal Mistakes, Prevention, and Simplicity
Part Two: On What Doesn’t Work and What Does
Part Three: On What Else Doesn’t Work and What Does in Business and Investing
Part Four: On Filters and Rules
This is a dialogue between four characters: Munger, Buffett, Librarian, and Seeker. Munger and Buffett’s passages are made entirely of their own past quotes. There are 1,827 cited quotes. They're from annual meetings, annual reports, interviews, speaking events, and other books. The Seeker is Bevelin’s portrayal of you, the reader. You’re there to tee up topics and the next wave of quotes by asking questions. You say natural things like “By the way, what is real friendship?” and “More?”. The Librarian is anything Bevelin wants to add to the topic. Every page feels forced, but how else do you share 1,827 quotes?
This book has the most typos I’ve ever read. Averaging one every other page, maybe. If you’re skeptical, look no further than the first sentence on the book’s back cover. Second place for most typos I’ve seen is Seeking Wisdom, also by Bevelin. You write books about Buffett and Munger! Your publisher can't swing an editor, freelancer, or someone off the street to give these a once-over?
Worth the read if you know what you’re getting into. The variety and sheer collection of Buffett and Munger's advice is amazing. Just categorizing the book's quotes without added dialogue, condensing them down (many passages got repetitive), and getting rid of endless pages of block text would make this a more enjoyable read. My notes have headings like prevention, trust, temperament, etc. If the book was similar, maybe it would be easier to revisit for specific advice.
Part One: On Fatal Mistakes, Prevention, and Simplicity
Part Two: On What Doesn’t Work and What Does
Part Three: On What Else Doesn’t Work and What Does in Business and Investing
Part Four: On Filters and Rules
February 13, 2020
The content and points contained in this book are undoubtedly great and illuminating; while someone who is familiar with Buffett's and Munger's quotes - especially one who has read books like Seeking Wisdom, Poor Charlie's Almanack and the Berkshire shareholder letters - will not find much that is new, someone who is unfamiliar will definitely find many nuggets of wisdom contained in this book.
However, I thought one should peruse the books I had mentioned above as opposed to this one. The great content of this book is marred by a very contrived dialogue structure that had a very awkward flow. Additionally, this book was especially replete with spelling errors and repetition - flaws that existed in Seeking Wisdom but were seemingly more evident here. Given the large overlap between this book and those I had mentioned, and considering the opportunity cost of time, one will do fine and not lose much by skipping this book and settling for the 3 I had mentioned.
However, I thought one should peruse the books I had mentioned above as opposed to this one. The great content of this book is marred by a very contrived dialogue structure that had a very awkward flow. Additionally, this book was especially replete with spelling errors and repetition - flaws that existed in Seeking Wisdom but were seemingly more evident here. Given the large overlap between this book and those I had mentioned, and considering the opportunity cost of time, one will do fine and not lose much by skipping this book and settling for the 3 I had mentioned.
April 16, 2018
"When someone with experience proposes a deal to someone with money, too often the fellow with money ends up with the experience and the fellow with experience ends up with the money"
"If the terrain and the map disagree, follow the terrain"
"Appear to interest, not to reason"
"If investor think like businessman and if businessman think like an investor"
"The early bird might get the worm but the 2nd mouse gets the cheese"
The book is full of amazing lines like the ones mentioned above. It covers wisdom in everything from personal life to business life and everything is conveyed in a simple, easy to understand and implement in your life way. This is definitely a must read for anyone no matter an investor or not. This is one book which should be read multiple times.
"If the terrain and the map disagree, follow the terrain"
"Appear to interest, not to reason"
"If investor think like businessman and if businessman think like an investor"
"The early bird might get the worm but the 2nd mouse gets the cheese"
The book is full of amazing lines like the ones mentioned above. It covers wisdom in everything from personal life to business life and everything is conveyed in a simple, easy to understand and implement in your life way. This is definitely a must read for anyone no matter an investor or not. This is one book which should be read multiple times.
March 20, 2020
Bevelin uses four characters - seeker (of wisdom), a librarian (who quotes famous thinkers), Buffett, and Munger - over the course of a 230 page dialogue to parse out many of things Buffett and Munger have said in person. There's a lot of wisdom in here, many of which I had read before, many of which I had not. The theme throughout is hinted at in the title of the book - avoid stupidity consistently and you will make good decisions. I say decisions not investments, because this is not about investing, it is about thoughtful decision-making.
September 16, 2018
Simple yet thought provoking. Many things you might know but subconsciously we forget to implement those things.
Most of the principles mentioned in the book are worth re-reading and following them as much as possible in real life.
Do not miss out on reading it. If read thoroughly and implemented well, this book can bring wonders in one's life.
Most of the principles mentioned in the book are worth re-reading and following them as much as possible in real life.
Do not miss out on reading it. If read thoroughly and implemented well, this book can bring wonders in one's life.
October 8, 2018
One of the best books ever written about life, general wisdom and investment philosophy. This is a book that everyone should read, over and over again, every year. It teaches you the ethos of two of the wisest people that ever walked the earth - their clarity, simplicity and common sense, condensed into a dialogue-format which makes for easy reading. Highly recommended.
June 1, 2020
Would have given it 5 stars, if not for the personality-confidence-disorder of Seeker as positioned by the author. Yes, Munger and Buffett are quite wise but to position them as all-knowing gods isn’t necessary to make the point. Overall a good book with golden nuggets to learn from and a recommendation.
June 30, 2020
Such an excellent book. Sublime and profound. Peter Bevelin has gleaned all the timeless wisdom of two of the most wise men living on the planet. More than investing, the wisdom gathered in the book addresses life in larger perspective. Truly life changing.
This book is a treasure trove. Thank you Mr Bevelin for writing it.
This book is a treasure trove. Thank you Mr Bevelin for writing it.
December 27, 2020
A very difficult book to write - it’s filled with dense insights that I ended up underlining every second sentence. It gets easier as you read along but all in all a great summary of Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger’s life and business philosophy. It felt that they are a lot like Rahul Dravid - leave the balls that you can’t play and just wait for the juicy balls.
August 19, 2022
Charlie Munger & Warren Buffet are among the richest people in the world. What most people don't now is that they rely extremely much on what they call common sense. This book is about that.
It also contains nice quotes such as
"It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be intelligent."
It also contains nice quotes such as
"It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be intelligent."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews