Core Insights - The success or failure of investments primarily hinges on the accurate judgment of profitability, which is rooted in the depth of understanding [1] - Engaging with historical perspectives and diverse knowledge through reading is essential for enhancing cognitive abilities and identifying investment value [1] Group 1: Recommended Readings - "The Possible Futures of the Next 10,000 Days" by Kevin Kelly emphasizes that future changes are not just about technological innovations but also involve transformations in social structures, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth [4] - The film "The Big Short" illustrates how independent judgment against prevailing market consensus can lead to significant financial gains, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis [6] Group 2: Investment Philosophy - Successful investment decisions that yield excess returns often stem from independent judgments that contradict market consensus [7] - Non-consensus views must be based on solid research and factual foundations; mere contrarianism does not guarantee profitability [7] - The psychological pressure associated with non-consensus investments can be immense, as evidenced by the experiences of characters in "The Big Short" who faced significant losses before their insights were validated [7]

Core Insights - The essence of successful investing lies in accurately assessing profitability, which is fundamentally tied to the depth of understanding [1] - Engaging with literature allows investors to expand their cognitive horizons and identify enduring truths amidst change [1] Group 1: Recommended Literature - "The Possible Futures of the Next 10,000 Days" by Kevin Kelly is recommended for its insights into future societal structures, interpersonal relationships, and personal growth, beyond just technological advancements [2] - The book encourages readers to actively shape the future rather than passively accept changes, providing a comprehensive view of potential future scenarios [2] Group 2: Film Recommendation - The film "The Big Short" illustrates how a few individuals foresaw the 2008 financial crisis and profited from it by shorting the housing market, highlighting the concept of non-consensus investing [3] - The film's narrative centers on the subprime mortgage crisis, showcasing how flawed financial products were misrated and sold, leading to a market collapse [3] - Key investment lessons from the film include the importance of independent judgment that contrasts with market consensus, the necessity of thorough research to support non-consensus views, and the psychological challenges faced before being proven right [3]