Reflections on a Legacy of Wisdom

Celebrating the life of Charlie Munger.

Art invoked by the author, in memory of Charlie.

There are many things happening in the world that bear commentary, but today the world has seen 100 years of wisdom leave us, in the passing of Charlie Munger.

I recall reading a list of book recommendations from Jason Fried in my late 20s, and committing myself to reading every book on it. I had a lot of respect for his perspectives on business, and figured I’d learn a fair bit. Turns out, I learned quite a lot, because that list included a reference to Poor Charles Almanack: The wit and wisdom of Charles T. Munger.

Charlie Munger wasn’t someone I was too closely familiar with at the time. I knew of Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hatheway, but Charlie was less of a prominent figure in the media. He was wise, that way.

When I set out to read the book and learn more about him, I frankly thought I’d learn mostly things relevant to investing and business. Instead, I find that while I did, the things I cherish more are those lessons about living a wise life.

I don’t know that I can impart all of the wisdom I gleaned from his writing & speaking, and frankly I’m not sure it would be very engaging. Charlie had a way of packaging that wisdom up in short, witty quips that sucker punch you with insight. I’ve not yet developed that skill - In fact, I fear that I ramble quite exhaustively when allowed to. Perhaps 70 more years will allow me to grow out of that.

Perhaps that’s the most important takeaway from the lessons he’s imparted - that we ought to always be as eager to learn as we were when young.

“I constantly see people rise in life who are not the smartest, sometimes not even the most diligent, but they are learning machines. They go to bed every night a little wiser than they were when they got up and boy that helps, particularly when you have a long run ahead of you.”
- Charlie Munger

Take care of yourself out in the great unknown, Charlie - and thanks.