Early Lessons and Background in Trading

The speaker recounts his initial interest in trading which began in his teenage years when he requested the book 'Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham. Despite initially shelving the book, his interest reignited when he became a subscriber to Investor's Business Daily (IBD) and read 'How to Make Money in Stocks' by Bill O'Neil. This book introduced him to crucial trading principles, including the 7% stop-loss rule, which became foundational in his trading practices. His journey involved both successes and failures, particularly during market corrections that tested his strategies and mental fortitude.