The Power of Independent Thinking and Effective Communication

True independent thinking is rare because people prefer comfort over being right. The crowd is often accurate, so going against the tribe can be seen as arrogant. To test your independence, see if you agree with someone on some topics but not others. Beware of blindly supporting politicians or investing gurus. In debates, the best story wins, not necessarily the most accurate answer. Communicating effectively is crucial in medicine and investing. Expert investors like Warren Buffett and Seth Klerman are skilled writers who can tell compelling stories and reassure investors, leading to loyalty. Storytelling is a soft skill that is not necessarily tied to intelligence.