Harry Browne (1933-2006) is one of my personal heroes. A giant in the libertarian world, he endures as a great popularizer of liberty. Two of his books revolutionized my world view, and I re-read both of them every year. They're just that important to me!
How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World is timeless advice. Fourteen mental traps cause us to squander our freedom. Next we'll blame others, further magnifying the frustration and suffering. Browne shows us not only how to recognize the traps, but also how to avoid them. If you're already stuck in a trap, don't fret! Harry says you can get out, build a better life, and enjoy new opportunities. It's quite the kaizen approach.
The other book I like to review is Fail-Safe Investing. Harry's original interest was investing and finance. Follow his short, simple, sensible advice to protect your nest egg. It's far more than the typical "do this, do that" book. In fact, the "formula" he advocates is downright boring, and for good reason.
Much of his advice will change your perspective on savings and investments for the better. For the average investor (which is almost everyone) this book is a goldmine. You'll sleep better at night. You won't hang on the latest noise from CNBC and Bloomberg. When the financial SHTF you'll lose your socks while everyone else loses their shirts. So ignore the hot new investment trends. It's likely a Fed-inflated bubble just waiting to pop.
Much of his advice will change your perspective on savings and investments for the better. For the average investor (which is almost everyone) this book is a goldmine. You'll sleep better at night. You won't hang on the latest noise from CNBC and Bloomberg. When the financial SHTF you'll lose your socks while everyone else loses their shirts. So ignore the hot new investment trends. It's likely a Fed-inflated bubble just waiting to pop.
Harry had a knack for opening people's minds without preaching a specific agenda. Like a good Zen story, nothing actually changes except our perception. The world is just as it ever was, but now we see it with new eyes. Right view may not be everything, but it's the indispensable first step.
Aside from his books, I also admire about Harry's willingness to speak the truth as he saw it. His "When Will We Learn?" op-ed was published on September 12, 2001. A nation filled with shock, rage, and sorrow didn't want to hear that message. Not at all. It was an act of enormous courage by a man willing to stand firm in his beliefs.
I'd like to hear Harry's thoughts on the state of affairs today. Although afflicted by ALS in his later years, his optimism never flagged. Although I never had an opportunity to meet him, I did take advantage of the opportunity to vote for him.
Where ever you are now, Harry, you have my gratitude.
Where ever you are now, Harry, you have my gratitude.
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