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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Same as Ever summary
Morgan Housel
A Guide to What Never Changes
17 mins
Table of Contents
Same as Ever
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Key idea 1 of 7
Fate is fragile
Do you ever wonder how much of history teetered on a knife’s edge? How a gust of wind, a tiny decision, or a random encounter might have spun events in radically different directions?
When you take a close look at history, you’ll find an astounding amount of evidence that the fate of the world does often hang by a thread.
Let’s take the Battle of Long Island. In August 1776, George Washington's Continental Army suffered a major setback against the British. Washington’s troops were outmatched by the massive British naval fleet and forced to retreat. Had the British been able to sail up the East River, they would have been able to trap Washington's entire army, leaving them with nowhere to flee.
But that day, the wind wasn’t in their favor. It was blowing in the opposite direction, giving the Continental Army time to regroup. Washington’s troops lived to fight another day, eventually winning the battle for independence. It was a quirk of weather at a vital moment that altered the course of America's fight for freedom.
It’s mind-boggling to think about how many historical outcomes have essentially depended on pure chance. Even in your own personal history, you may have observed the curious, hilarious, and sometimes tragic current of randomness that weaves itself through life.
Author Morgan Housel learned this lesson through a traumatic personal experience. In 2001, Housel was a competitive teenage skier. He and two close friends, Brendan and Bryan, frequently skied dangerous out-of-bounds terrain together. One snowy morning, they narrowly survived a small avalanche. Later that afternoon, Brendan and Bryan went back out. Housel, on a whim, decided to stay behind. Brendan and Bryan never returned. An extensive search revealed that they’d been killed in a massive avalanche.
To this day, Housel is haunted by the feeling that his decision to decline the fateful run was pure chance. He had what we like to call “dumb luck.” How much dumb luck have you had in your life?
Every step we take, life-changing events can emerge from tiny, unforeseeable things no one’s thinking about. Radical change can spring from obscure accidents or oversights. That’s why predicting the future is so hard. When it comes to what’s to come, it’s best to expect the unexpected.
But there’s a silver lining: While forecasting precise events is impossible, predicting human behavior remains reliable. Regardless of external change, people tend to respond to upset, fear, and uncertainty in predictable ways. Once you learn about those ways, you can confidently base your decisions on these timeless psychological constants.
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What is Same as Ever about?
Same as Ever (2023) invites you to identify the things that stay the same so you can successfully navigate this ever-changing world. Engaging stories, witty examples, and a whole lot of practical advice combine into a master class on assessing risk, seizing opportunity, and living your best life – and not just financially.
Same as Ever Review
Same as Ever (2022) explores the patterns that shape our lives and how we can navigate them with wisdom and intention. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its thought-provoking insights and thoughtfully crafted examples, it challenges our assumptions and encourages us to think differently.
- The book inspires self-reflection and encourages us to examine our choices, helping us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our behaviors.
- Through captivating narratives and honest observations, it illuminates the universal human experience, inviting us to embrace change and growth.
Who should read Same as Ever?
- Investors looking to understand risk and optimize investment strategies
- Entrepreneurs seeking guidance on opportunities and challenges
- Those Striving for more fulfillment, meaning, and purpose in their financial lives and beyond
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Same as Ever FAQs
What is the main message of Same as Ever?
The main message of Same as Ever is understanding the repetitive nature of human behavior.
How long does it take to read Same as Ever?
The reading time for Same as Ever varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Same as Ever a good book? Is it worth reading?
Same as Ever is worth reading as it offers insight into the patterns of human behavior in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
Who is the author of Same as Ever?
The author of Same as Ever is Morgan Housel.
What to read after Same as Ever?
If you're wondering what to read next after Same as Ever, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Choose Your Enemies Wisely by Patrick Bet-David
- The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
- Tokens by Rachel O'Dwyer
- Power Questions by Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
- Irresistible by Josh Bersin
- How to Be the Love You Seek by Nicole LePera
- The Wealth Money Can't Buy by Robin Sharma
- A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton G. Malkiel
- Empire Builder by Adam E. Coffey
- Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg