Greatest Hits?!?

Long-time reader Michael Johnston did a really nice thing by putting together some of the more poignant things I’ve written over the years and I’m really flattered and honored to hear that my ramblings are having a positive impact with some people. When I looked back at some of these – and the posts they’ve come from – I realize that there’s a nice amount of evolution in my thinking, even if my overarching investment principles still manage to shine through.

I’m not bothered by the fact that my views have shifted somewhat (hopefully for the better) over the years. I started this blog as a self-educated 31-year old retail broker back in the dark days of 2008, which is a world away from where I am now, professionally and personally.

Somewhere along the line, my blog went from being a place to vent my frustrations with the industry to a place of learning and teaching. I like it better this way. The stuff that used to make me furiously angry now makes me laugh, because I’ve learned how futile it is to expect human nature to radically change. And markets are a human construct after all, populated by humans for the benefit of humans, operating according to human rules, regs, emotions and desires. I throw a lot less rocks these days and crack a lot more jokes – even though my passion about the right way to invest and succeed has never been more serious.

Hopefully, this means that I’m growing as a person and an advisor.

I think it would be even more disturbing if my views hadn’t adapted at all or grown from where I began. The origin of the word “blog” is actually “web log” – log as in diary. Anyone keeping a diary or a daily journal for seven years should not be surprised to see some evolution and maturation.

Anyway, here’s what Michael thought were the 25 best things I’ve written. Thanks to all who’ve been on this journey with me:

Top 25 Downtown Josh Brown Quotes (ETF Reference)