“We are the sum total of our experience.” When asked what makes a good stock speculator, Livermore replied “…it’s an aptitude for the game, a stomach for the ride, and the ability to see what is happening without emotion. The ability to make observations that others don’t and a good memory….Only speculate if you can make it a full-time job. Don’t take tips of any kind, no matter where they come from. Don’t worry about catching tops or bottoms, that’s fools play. Keep the number of stocks you own to a controllable number. It’s hard to herd cats, and it’s hard to track a lot of securities. Take your losses quickly and don’t brood about them. Try to learn from them but mistakes are as inevitable as death. And only make a big move, a real big plunge, when a majority of factors are in your favor….every once in a while you must go to cash, take a break, take a vacation. Don’t try to play the market all the time. It can’t be done, too tough on the emotions.”
