How to Live Safely in a Wall Street Universe
April 1, 2019·7 comments·In Brief
Wall Street runs on Mob logic: everyone kicks up the chain, everyone's got a Paulie, performance is all that matters. But there's a moment that breaks this model. When someone has the courage to make a decision that could destroy everything, asking for your cut becomes the thing that destroys you. The people who understand this survive. The people who don't eventually get whacked.
- In ordinary business, the transaction is everything. You generate ideas, you negotiate your cut. You push for payment because the business IS about money. This is how people survive in competitive environments.
- But existential trades operate on different rules. These are the two or three moments in a career when survival is genuinely at stake, when someone's willingness to act when everything is on the line is what matters.
- The mistake people make is treating existential trades like ordinary ones. They ask for their cut, they expect credit, they apply instrumental logic to moments that demand something else entirely.
- What actually happens when you do this: You breed resentment that never fades. You signal that you saw them as a means to an economic end, not as an autonomous person worth supporting.
- The counterintuitive move is complete generosity. Cede the trade entirely. Give them full distance and full ownership. You don't get paid for the idea, but you get something more durable: a place in their pack.
The Why of Epsilon Theory
- Make more informed decisions as an investor and citizen.
- See through the nudges of Big Politics and Big Media.
- Become a better consumer of news.
- Maintain your autonomy of mind in a swarm of narratives.
- Join a community of more than 100,000 truth-seekers.
Unlock instant access to this and hundreds of other evergreen essays that explore the world of narrative through hard science and human wisdom.
Looking for Deeper Insights?
Unlock exclusive market intelligence, trade ideas, and member-only events tailored for investment professionals and active investors with Perscient Pro.
VISIT PRO
DISCLOSURES
This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
