The Wisdom of Charlie Munger: 10 Insights to Crush Life and Business
Brad Wiens
Technical Career Coach | Sr. Talent Acquisition I Recruiter NXP- Expertise | Corporate, RPO, Agency | Semiconductor, Information Technology, Cyber Security, Electrification | LinkedIn Sourcing | Writer-Career Coach |
“In my whole life, I have known no wise people who didn’t read all the time – none, zero.” – Charlie Munger.
If you’ve ever wondered how Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett turned Berkshire Hathaway into a $699 billion powerhouse, the answer is simple—wisdom. Munger’s insights into decision-making, learning, and success are like having cheat codes for life. And the best part? They’re practical, timeless, and straightforward to apply.
Let’s digest the top 10 of Munger’s best ideas to help you grow your business game and live a more fulfilling life.
Why Munger’s Wisdom Matters:
Most people are stuck in a cycle of bad decisions, distractions, and conformity. They follow the herd, get average results, and wonder why they’re not winning. Munger’s principles are the antidote. They cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and give you a clear roadmap to make better decisions, earn what you want, and live on your terms. By following Munger’s approach, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success—whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth. These principles aren’t just for billionaires; they’re for anyone who wants to think smarter, act wiser, and achieve more.
10 Charlie Munger Principles You Can Use Today:
1. “Knowing what you don’t know is more useful than being brilliant.”
Most people overestimate their abilities and dive headfirst into things they don’t understand. But Munger’s advice? Recognize your limitations. Admitting you don’t know something isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength.
Action Step: The next time you’re in over your head, ask for help or take time to research. For example, consult experts before charging forward if you’re leading a project at work in an unfamiliar area.
2. “Most of life’s errors are caused by forgetting what one is trying to do.”
Distraction is the enemy of success. It’s easy to get sidetracked by shiny objects or daily chaos. But keeping your focus on your ultimate goal is what gets results.
Action Step: Set clear goals and revisit them daily. Are you trying to grow your business? Focus on tasks directly contributing to that, and say no to the rest. Example: If your goal is to increase revenue, spending hours designing the perfect logo won’t move the needle—sales will.
3. “Mimicking the herd invites regression to the mean.”
Playing it safe might feel comfortable, but it guarantees mediocrity. Most people are unhappy, unfulfilled, and stuck in a rut. Doing what everyone else does leads to the same place.
Action Step: Take calculated risks, and don’t be afraid to go against the grain. If everyone else in your industry is focused on short-term gains, start planning for long-term growth. Example: While others chase quick wins, invest in building a loyal customer base that will pay off for years.
4. “To get what you want, you must deserve what you want.”
You can’t control everything, but you can control your effort, ethics, and character.
Action Step: Work on your skills and consistently show up. If you want to be promoted, don’t expect it—earn it by proving your value. Example: Take the initiative at work, help your team succeed, and demonstrate your leadership skills before asking for a raise.
5. “The fundamental algorithm of life—repeat what works.”
Success doesn’t need to be complicated. Figure out what’s working and do more of it.
Action Step: Track your progress and identify your wins. If a marketing strategy brings in new clients, double down on it. Example: If you’ve found that hosting webinars boosts your sales, schedule them regularly and refine your process to maximize results.
6. “Those who keep learning will keep rising.”
Knowledge compounds. The more you learn, the better your decisions will be over time.
Action Step: Schedule time to study and grow your knowledge. Whether it’s reading books, attending workshops, or learning from mentors, never stop improving. Example: Carve out 30 minutes each day to read books related to your field. Over a year, that’s over 180 hours of learning.
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7. “You don’t have to be brilliant, just a little wiser than the other guys, on average, for a long time.”
Success isn’t about genius—it’s about consistency. Small, intelligent decisions add up over time.
Action Step: Focus on making rational, long-term choices rather than chasing immediate rewards. Example: If you’re investing, think like Munger—don’t try to time the market. Instead, pick solid investments and let them grow.
8. “The best thing a human can do is help someone know more.”
Sharing knowledge isn’t just good for others—it’s good for you. Teaching is one of the best ways to solidify knowledge and build relationships.
Action Step: Be generous with your knowledge. Mentor someone at work, write a blog, or share your experiences with your network. Example: If you’ve found success using a specific business strategy, share it with peers and help them grow.
9. “We insist on being available almost daily just to sit and think.”
In a world obsessed with hustle, the best decisions come from reflection, not constant action.
Action Step: Schedule downtime to think and strategize. It’s easy to fill your calendar with meetings and tasks but make space for creative, strategic thought. Example: Set aside 30 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve tomorrow.
10. “You must know the big ideas in the big disciplines and use them routinely.”
The best ideas often come from outside your immediate area of expertise. Munger pulls insights from fields like math, physics, and philosophy.
Action Step: Diversify your knowledge. Don’t just study your industry—learn from various disciplines. For example, if you're an entrepreneur, study psychology to understand customer behavior or dive into philosophy to sharpen your decision-making.
Bottom Line: Why These Actions Work:
Munger’s principles are powerful because they focus on long-term, sustainable success. They aren’t about chasing short-term wins or relying on luck—they’re about building a foundation that keeps paying off. By applying these principles consistently, you’ll see improvements in your decision-making, relationships, and career growth.
So, what’s next? Start small. Pick one or two of Munger’s insights, put them into practice, and watch how they transform your approach to both business and life.
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"Action is the foundational principle to all success" - Pablo Picasso
Some great books by Charlie Munger:
Love the focus on Charlie Munger's wisdom! "Think sharper, act bolder" is a powerful mantra. Can't wait to dive into the 10 strategies and see how they can apply to my own goals.