Mea Via Negativa

This is an idea I’ve read about everywhere. It was first verbalized…or codified to me through Taleb’s Antifragile. But it’s simply the idea of subtracting, avoiding, and saying no. Less is more.

“It is remarkable how much long-term advantage people like us have gotten by trying to be consistently not stupid, instead of trying to be very intelligent.” - Charlie Munger

It sounds simple but it takes discipline to really listen to the world and actually think about what is stupid and should be avoided. Some are rather simple (don’t smoke, do drugs, commit a crime) and some take some time for you to figure out depending on your nature (don’t work with people you don’t respect, don’t see people that make you feel bad about yourself).

The latter will be revealed from paying attention. Pay attention to doors that close. Pay attention to the failures. Sometimes, take the "no" as an answer so you don’t force yourself into something you really shouldn’t be doing. It’s when you stop banging on the door to get into that closed room and turn around that you realize the rest of the world is available.

As much as it’s important to have an aim and vision, it’s also important to figure out all the things that go against your nature so you can avoid all of them. This is where listening to the mistakes of others help but most are context dependent so probably simpler to learn about the things that made people ‘blow up’.

Just focus on avoiding things that’ll kill you. Avoid things that’ll ruin you. Avoid things you hate.

So…as for me….this means

• Don’t smoke.

• Don’t drink alcohol (at least moderate it or limit it).

• Don’t do illegal drugs.

• Don’t do business with people you don’t trust.

• Don’t hang out with people who leave you feeling bad about yourself afterwards.

• Don’t be afraid to sit on your ass and wait.

• Don’t say yes if you have reservations. Even taking chances should feel exciting.

• Don’t listen to perceived rationality if the gut screams no.

• Don’t work for people who micromanage.

• Don’t work in bureaucratic places.

• Don’t work for people you don’t respect.

• Don’t take on a job at X so you can do Y and then Z. Find a way to Z.

• Don’t be afraid to change direction quickly in light of new facts.

• Don’t do tasks you suck at. If it takes you a whole day, if you procrastinate on it for weeks, or if it causes anxiety, probably avoid it.

• Don’t do jobs where your weakness is an important part of it.

• Don’t do something where you need to make quick decisions. Most people like the experience, knowledge and self-awareness to know they suck at it.

• Don’t waste time on social media.

• Don’t bother with trying to trade equities. Short-term quick moves aren’t your game.

• Don’t pursue a path if it’s for prestige. Avoid such pissing contests.

• Don’t waste time infant of spreadsheets.

• Don’t surround yourself with trend followers.

• Don’t lament the utility of TV for garbage to the mind is an important stressor.

….and the list will grow with more mistakes.