BENJAMIN GRAHAM’S ASSERTION | WORST ENEMY IS HIMSELF

This assertion made by Benjamin Graham, points to a root issue I witness that continuously repeats itself across literature, history, philosophies, spirituality, & religion.

Man’s Root Issue is Himself.

“The Investor’s Chief Problem-and even his worst enemy-is likely to be himself.” – Benjamin Graham

The outside World is what it is. Your problem, if you have any (as we all do) is You.

One principle that I live by that I hope to pass on to you my dear reader is, “Truth above All”.

At the end of the day what supersedes theory, opinions, emotions, confusion, facts, beliefs, thoughts, words, history, noise….would be Truth.

This thread of Truth that ones worst enemy is likely to be himself was re-iterated to me beginning this new read, “The Intelligent Investor”.

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WHY & HOW THIS MATTERS | TAKING ALL UPON YOURSELF

1. Self Accountability.

Self Accountability is only a concept until you put it into practice in your day to day life within every opportunity you have.From brushing your teeth in the morning to choosing to be the reliable problem solver within your work environment.

It’s not about the act itself. It is about the type of Man you are to yourself, by yourself, regardless of the external world.

If you begin to take self accountability, even when it really sucks to do it. Even when no one is watching. Especially when it’s painful.

Is one way to begin to Sharpen your entire Life.

Instilling self accountability as a way of living will demand you take action & do right thing simply when it arises in front of you. No resistance, no forcing, no confusion as to what is done be done in what way.

You are your worst enemy, take all upon yourself, cultivate self accountability as a way of living & you will see how this begins to sharpen your entire day to day Life.

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2. Viewing a World of Potential Opportunity, Solutions, Growth & Betterment

When you embody & breathe the fact the root issue of the problem is you.

You will view the World, Yourself, and Life as an opportune experience of continuous potential Betterment.

Men that believe problems lie in a world that is outside of themselves & are destined to live in that problematic world.

They’ve accepted it. Solutions, opportunity, growth and betterment literally become non-existent in the reality of this man’s world.

Is there a problem or issue within your own Life? Do something about it.

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As Human Men, we will always create problems at the innate, deep desire of perfection, & survival.

The more you take on this view of potential growth, apply it daily upon yourself, & relentlessly continue to take proper action as you are punched in the face.

The greater you will grow as a Man, the greater ability you will have in this world, & the clearer you will see as you continue to live your Life.

A Man clouded by his own projections will eventually drown in them.

Choose to embody yourself as the root issue of the problem, discover the points that need to be sharpened, enhance the Life around you, and view the World as Potential Opportunity, Solutions, Growth, & Betterment.

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3. Power

Your Power lies within your ability to act, be, or create what needs to be done.

Not truly realizing & most importantly not living in a way that you know you are your own worst enemy within any problem or issue that manifests in your Life. Minimizes & possibly even eliminates your power to save, change, or solve the issue that you see come up in the life around you.

You are your own worst enemy. The root issue is Yourself.

Take that on daily. There is Power in that.

Failing to claim the responsibility of Power here will leave you with no choice but to keep falling in the trap that is.

“The World is The Problem“. “Other is The Problem”.

As you may intuitively & intellectually come to see. Projecting issues & problems to be rooted on the  outside world with an inability to do something about it promotes weakness & human stagnation.

You either carry the weight of power by taking on the load of your own issues, allowing it to strengthen you. Or you slip into the weightless perpetual cycle of blaming & pointing the finger.

Choose & live wisely. Continuously ask yourself, “What can I do to minimize & eliminate this issue?” The Life you Live & Man you Become is literally what is at stake.

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YOUR WORST ENEMY IS YOURSELF | CARRY THE POWER OF THAT REALITY

To summarize, Benjamin Graham’s confident statement, “The Investor’s Chief Problem-and Even his Worst Enemy-is Likely to Be Himself”.

Pointed me back to what much of what my own life revolves around.

Man is his own worst enemy. A Man’s Life is rooted in who he is. Transform the Man. Transform his Life. You may substitute the word “transform” with any descriptive adjective that fits and it will ring true. 

Intentionally & relentlessly live as the man you aim to be.

Truly walking in your Life that you are your own worst enemy. Provides you the gift to instill Self Accountability (rather than leaving it to “someone else”), Viewing a World of Continuous Potential Betterment (rather than problems that can’t be resolved by you), and definite Power.

Keep your eyes, ears, mind, & spirit open to the thin thread of Truth that continues slap you in the face. 

Assuming the assertion that “Truth above All” will do the best for any Man’s Life. In this, you will continue to walk correctly despite of what’s in front of you now.