Staying objective and being approximately right.

I keep telling people that AK is non-partisan. AK does not support political parties. AK supports policies that make sense.

Unfortunately, often people let emotions get the better of them and their minds get clouded. Human beings are rational creatures, supposedly. So, don't squander the gift of rationality. Be logical.

Although what I am going to share now might give rise to some people calling AK "pro-establishment" to put it nicely, I am really only being objective.

This happened on Facebook earlier:

 

Doolson Kool The town councils collectively lost millions in Lehman Brothers bonds but all was hush hush. So much talk about scrutiny and integrity. 

 

Assi AK Being objective, losing money in bad investments shows a lack of investment savvy. There is no civil or criminal liability. 

 

Doolson Kool I'm not sure if you are responding to me. However, it looks like we are on a different frequency here. I'm referring to the hush hush about TC's loss while PAP is screaming bloody scrutiny and integrity at WP. PAP's silence over the investment loss is deafening.

 

 

Assi AK Yes, it was in response to your comment. PAP TC lost money on Lemon Bros. It was a bad investment decision. Nothing else to say but if people want to scrutinise, they could. However, I doubt they could say much more than the fact that it was a bad investment. It is not an issue of integrity.

 

 

Doolson Kool In my opinion, it is an issue of integrity because PAP demands scrutiny of others but when the shit hits the fan in PAP's own backyard, they choose to remain silent. The silence is deafening.

Assi AK You must see what kind of shit it is. Some, you scrutinise. Some, don't bother. Doctor also wants to examine your stools only when he suspects you are seriously ill. Otherwise, why bother?


We need to be clear minded in personal finance and investments. We don't have perfect knowledge and can only make the best estimates. It is the same with many other things in life.

Like what Warren Buffett said before, it is about being approximately right.

However, when we are not clear minded, when we are irrational, then, our chances of being approximately right will be much lower.

This is about issues and not about politics. I support policies and not political parties.

Now, now, where is that cooking pot I borrowed from SMOL? Ah, here it is. Cover my head with it and, ok, can start throwing rotten eggs at me now.

Related post:

"Voted for WP in the last election..."
Once we have understood the system, we would be able to make informed decisions and even offer constructive criticism. If we haven't made the effort, we really don't know what we are criticising or, worse, condemning.

Consider making a donation to help needy students.

Update: A good deed to end 2016.

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From time to time, I would blog about how we should try to give back to society.

As I believe in the importance of education and how it would help not just an individual but also his family and future generations to have a better life, I have made yearly donations to NUS University Wide Bursaries.




This year, a significant portion of the money collected from organising "Evenings with AK and friends" and my other public appearances have found their way into the charity fund I am building.


Ultimately, I would still like to set up a foundation to help financially disadvantaged students in future but that is many years in the making. 

In the meantime, I will continue to make donations to causes which I find meaningful.

If you would like to help needy undergraduates as well, you might want to consider making a donation too.


The form can be downloaded here or you could make a donation online with a credit card here.

No amount of donation is too small. 

Every dollar counts.





In fact, I would be more impressed with a $10 donation from a regular office worker than a $50 donation from a successful millionaire business owner, for example. 

I am sure you know what I mean.

So, don't feel shy to make a small donation.






Helping to educate a person is really 功德无量 (which means "service to mankind and benefits beyond measure").

"The best thing a human being can do is to help another human being know more." - Charlie Munger

Click to enlarge.

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Received this in the mail today (31 December 2015):

An unexpected gift. A pleasant surprise.

A new pen for the new year. :)





Related posts:
1. One of the most noble things we can do.
2. Have money must also have a heart.
3. An appeal by AK71 for donations.