The Morgan Housel Podcast

Reasonable vs. Rational

391 snips
Apr 2, 2025
Explore the intriguing clash between rational thought and human emotion in decision-making. Discover how biases shape our financial choices amidst the pull of reason and personal satisfaction. Reflect on the importance of managing money for well-being rather than just returns, highlighting the tension between comfort and financial logic. Personal stories illustrate the balance between investing and family priorities, advocating for a strategy that values emotional fulfillment over strict financial goals.
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INSIGHT

Reasonable vs. Rational

  • Aim for reasonable financial decisions, not perfectly rational ones.
  • Humans are emotional, so trying to be purely rational with money is unrealistic.
ANECDOTE

Malariotherapy

  • Julius Wagner-Jauregg cured syphilis by inducing fevers with malaria, winning a Nobel Prize.
  • While rational, this method was unreasonable due to patient discomfort, highlighting the difference.
INSIGHT

Investor Goals

  • Investment models prioritize risk-adjusted returns, but individuals value peace of mind.
  • Real-world investors seek reasonable choices for a good night's sleep and self-respect.
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