As we celebrate Gandhiji Jayanti on October 2nd, it's notable how the Mahatma's philosophical principles remain deeply relevant to modern investment approaches. Having spent four decades navigating the intricacies of financial services. I've observed innumerable market cycles, investor fascinations, and the everlasting human struggle between voracity and prudence.
Perhaps no Gandhiji principle resonates more strongly with veteran investors than his interpretation of the "Three Wise Monkeys": See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.
"See No Evil": Filtering Market Noise and Investment Hype
Gandhiji's "see no evil" wasn't about closing one's eyes to truth, but rather preserving focused vision on what actually matters. In today's hyper-connected investment environment, this explains to developing what I call "careful market vision."
During my early years as a financial coach in the 1990s, investment information was rare and valuable. Today, we're drowning in data, stock tips on WhatsApp groups, overnight crypto millionaire stories on Instagram, and endless YouTube channels promising "guaranteed returns." The modern wealth creator's challenge isn't finding information; it's filtering out the noise.
Gandhiji's discipline teaches us to focus on fundamentals rather than fluctuations.
Embracing Boring Excellence: Gandhiji found reflective meaning in simple, monotonous actions like spinning the charkha. Similarly, the most effective investment strategy often includes the boring discipline of regular mutual fund investments in diversified portfolios. It's not glitzy, but it works.
Filtering Hype from Opportunity: The dot-com bubble of 2000, the real estate obsession of 2007, and the recent crypto turmoil all follow similar patterns. Gandhiji's "see no evil" approach would have investors concentrating on boring fundamentals of earnings growth, debt levels, and sustainable business models, rather than thrilling stories and promises of instant wealth.
"Hear No Evil": Navigating Financial Advice in the Social Media Era
Gandhiji's "hear no evil" belief is perhaps most vital in our current information-saturated environment. Social media has democratized financial advice, both its benefits and risks.
Every day, I come across clients influenced by financial "influencers" who promise astonishing returns with minimal risk. The creation of unregulated investment advice on social platforms creates a dangerous echo chamber effect. Gandhiji's style advises we must be choosy about whose speech we let into our decision-making process.
Verifying Source Credentials: Gandhiji was careful about whose guidance he accepted. Modern investors should mandate similar standards- Do they have a fiduciary obligation? Are they selling products or providing sincere guidance?
Distinguishing Education from Promotion: Genuine financial education allows investors to make well-versed decisions. Promotion disguised as education drives specific products or strategies. Gandhiji's seeking-the-truth approach would have us question the motivations behind each piece of advice.
The Silence Policy: Every so often, the best financial advice is to stop listening altogether. During market crashes, the best-performing investors are often those who momentarily detach from financial media and stick to their long-term plans.
"Speak No Evil": Privacy and Transparency in Wealth Matters
Gandhiji's "speak no evil" offers nuanced guidance on financial transparency. While he encouraged for truth in all transactions, he also understood the importance of choice in delicate matters.
Avoiding Market Manipulation: Gandhiji would have strongly opposed spreading false information for own gain. This means not participating in pump-and-dump schemes or scattering unverified investment advices, even casually.
Positive Communication: When discussing investments with family or friends, focus on sharing knowledge and ideologies rather than specific returns or portfolio values. Gandhiji's approach was always to educate and elevate, not to boast or scare.
Conclusion: The Gandhian Portfolio
Gandhiji's "Three Wise Monkeys" attitude offers timeless understanding for modern investors.
As we honor Gandhiji's heritage this October 2nd, maybe the greatest tribute we can pay is to apply his wisdom to our financial lives, making wealth not just for ourselves, but in ways that help society as a whole. After all, true wealth, like true independence, comes not from what we accumulate, but from the principles we refuse to compromise.
The article is written by Sandeep Gandhi, CEO of Mega Finserv LLP. He can be contacted on ceo@megafina.in or 9825078399
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