Business Quote by Charlie Munger
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: CNBC, 2023 on Business Evolution
Some industries stay dominant because they lack viable substitutes, unlike media which evolved with tech.
In simple terms: Industries without alternatives stay strong.
Identify sectors with high entry barriers.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- career planning
- market entry
- product development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What industries seem irreplaceable today?
- How can you protect a business from future tech shifts?
Markets can still be disrupted by unforeseen innovations.