If you've been playing poker for half an hour and you still don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that if you are unable to identify the fool in a situation, you might be the one being deceived.
Warren Buffett's quote highlights the importance of awareness and perception in social dynamics, especially in competitive environments like poker. It implies that one must be observant and discerning, as failure to recognize the vulnerabilities in oneself or others can lead to becoming a victim or 'patsy' in any situation involving strategy or manipulation.
In practice
In a business meeting to emphasize the importance of analyzing competitors.
I have no views as to where it will be, but the one thing I can tell you is it won't do anything between now and then except look at you. Whereas, you know, Coca-Cola (KO) will be making money, and I think Wells Fargo (WFC) will be making a lot of money and there will be a lot - and it's a lot - it's a lot better to have a goose that keeps laying eggs than a goose that just sits there and eats insurance and storage and a few things like that.
If the world couldn't see your results, would you rather be thought of as the world's greatest investor but in reality have the world's worst record? Or be thought of as the world's worst investor when you were actually the best?
Cash never makes us happy, but it's better to have the money burning a hole in Berkshire's pocket than resting comfortably in someone else's.
I think you should read everything you can. In my case, by the age of 10, I'd read every book in the Omaha public library about investing, some twice. _x000D_ You need to fill your mind with various competing thoughts and decide which make sense.
The most common cause of low prices is pessimism - some times pervasive, some times specific to a company or industry. We want to do business in such an environment, not because we like pessimism but because we like the prices it produces. It's optimism that is the enemy of the rational buyer.
Oneβs objective should be to get it right, get it quick, get it out and get it over. Your problem wonβt improve with age.
The most difficult thing for people to do is hear their own soul.
Treat yourself as your own beloved child.
For the warrior, there is no "better" or "worse"; everyone has the necessary gifts for his particular path.
The free exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.
The feeling of being valuable - 'I am a valuable person'- is essential to mental health and is a cornerstone of self-discipline.
O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.
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