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The Power of Deliberate Thought

August 13th

I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think. That is very uncommon in American business. I read and think. So I do more reading and thinking, and make less impulse decisions than most people in business.

Warren Buffett

The pace of the business world often precludes thoughtful reflection. Amidst the hurly-burly, the quiet, deliberate process of contemplation becomes a casualty, leading to hasty, impulsive decisions. This speedy, reactive style of decision-making can lead to undesirable outcomes.

Contrarily, the habit of reading provides a sturdy platform for continuous learning, a springboard for enlightened thought. It's a lifelong journey of seeking wisdom, an antidote to reactionary decisions. Reading broadens perspective, enriches understanding, and cultivates patience, empowering us to respond with well-considered judgments.

The benefit of investing time in thinking is not just about slowing down. It's about the quality of decisions that emerge from a mind allowed the luxury of quiet, undisturbed contemplation.

Impulsivity often breeds regret, while well-thought-out decisions yield more desirable outcomes. This principle is as applicable to investing as it is to life. The race is won not by the swift, but by the steady. Ultimately, it's not about the speed of decision-making, but about its quality, which necessitates time—time spent in quiet reflection and thoughtful deliberation.

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