Build an Investment Methodology—Then Forget the Books

Originally published 2022-07-07Robin’s commentary

Storage information

Bookmarks and reading positions are stored in this browser. Manage and back them up in My Reading.

Collected in Robin Shen’s Field Notes · Content type and attribution are shown above

English translation of the Chinese post originally published 2022-07-07. Translated 2026-11-05 with AI assistance. Historical figures and claims have not been updated or independently verified. 中文原文

Reading guide

New investors can use several books to build a coherent system and methodology. At some point, Robin argues, they should leave the textbook framework behind. After over a decade of experience, including the 2008 crisis, he believes exceptional investments cannot be assessed solely through due diligence. Excessively rigid investigations may select mediocrity. Investments producing thousandfold or ten-thousandfold returns may initially look completely implausible, yet achieve extraordinary results.

Key points

Use books to build a coherent investment methodology early on.
At a certain stage, leave the textbook framework behind.
Overly rigid investigation and processes may select mediocre investments.
Potential thousandfold or ten-thousandfold investments may initially look implausible.

Trees at different stages of growth with connected roots on cream paper, suggesting patient cultivation and lasting value. — Venture capital & investmentThematic illustration · AI generated

Full text — English translation

China Has Books on Everything New investors can find several books to construct a coherent system and investment methodology. But at a certain stage, forget the textbook framework. After more than a decade of storms, including the 2008 financial crisis and several cycles, I believe great investments cannot be evaluated entirely through due diligence. Excessively rigorous investigations and procedures may ultimately select mediocre opportunities. Those capable of thousandfold or ten-thousandfold returns will initially look unlikely to succeed and utterly implausible, yet often achieve extraordinary things.

These articles are personal notes, book excerpts, and collected reprints. Figures and events reflect the time of the original publication, are not current information, and do not constitute investment advice.

DISCUSSION

Reader comments

What did this article make you think about? Different perspectives and constructive criticism are welcome.

Comments are public immediately. Do not include personal contact details or external links. Automated checks block suspicious solicitation, prohibited transactions and spam; they can make mistakes.

Comments load when you reach this section.

Administrator sign-in