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If the technology hadn't changed, they [newspapers] would…

“If the technology hadn't changed, they [newspapers] would still be great businesses. Network TV [in its heyday], anyone could run and do well. If Tom Murphy as running it, you'd do very well, but even your idiot nephew could do well. Fortunately, carbide cutting tools [such as those made by Iscar]…” quote by Charlie Munger
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“If the technology hadn't changed, they [newspapers] would still be great businesses. Network TV [in its heyday], anyone could run and do well. If Tom Murphy as running it, you'd do very well, but even your idiot nephew could do well. Fortunately, carbide cutting tools [such as those made by Iscar] don't have these types of substitutes.”

Charlie Munger

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Some industries stay dominant because they lack viable substitutes, unlike media which evolved with tech.

In simple terms: Industries without alternatives stay strong.

Key Takeaway

Identify sectors with high entry barriers.

Themes

business strategy technology competition industry analysis

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

strategic informative

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • career planning
  • market entry
  • product development

Key Concepts

economic moat disruptive innovation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What industries seem irreplaceable today?
  • How can you protect a business from future tech shifts?
A Different Perspective

Markets can still be disrupted by unforeseen innovations.

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