The most important thing is to be able to survive.
Meaning
It highlights that long-term success depends on avoiding major losses.
Best Motivation Quotes with Meaning
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
(born 1946) is an American investor and co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management. He is known for his insights into market cycles, risk management, and value investing. Marks’s memos to investors are widely read and respected for their clarity and wisdom. His book "The Most Important Thing" outlines key principles of successful investing. Howard Marks’s approach emphasizes discipline, patience, and understanding risk. His influence continues to shape modern investment strategies and financial thinking.
Related quotes
-
“Understanding uncertainty is essential for making better decisions.”
Meaning: Uncertainty matters. -
“An entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on the way down.”
Meaning: Hoffman describes entrepreneurship as taking risks and figuring things out in real time rather than waiting for perfect conditions. -
“Risk is not something to avoid entirely, but something to understand and manage effectively.”
Meaning: Risk management is key. -
“Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall.”
Meaning: Taking risks leads to growth and discovery. -
“Investing is not about predicting the future perfectly, but about understanding risk and making informed decisions.”
Meaning: Risk understanding is key. -
“Cycles are one of the most important aspects of investing.”
Meaning: This highlights the importance of understanding market cycles. -
“You have to take risks to achieve something big.”
Meaning: Risk-taking is necessary for success. -
“Risk management is not about eliminating risk, but understanding it.”
Meaning: Success in finance comes from managing and assessing risks, not avoiding them completely. -
“Capital is important, but character is more important.”
Meaning: Financial success must be supported by integrity and ethical values. -
“In markets, the biggest risk is not understanding the risk.”
Meaning: Kamath emphasizes that lack of awareness and knowledge in investing leads to the greatest losses. Understanding risk is more important than chasing returns.