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Behavior Quote by Charlie Munger

“The possibility that stock value in aggregate can become irrationally high is contrary to the hard-form "efficient market" theory that many of you once learned as gospel from your mistaken professors of yore. Your mistaken professors were too much influenced by "rational man" models of human…” quote by Charlie Munger
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“The possibility that stock value in aggregate can become irrationally high is contrary to the hard-form "efficient market" theory that many of you once learned as gospel from your mistaken professors of yore. Your mistaken professors were too much influenced by "rational man" models of human behavior from economics and too little by "foolish man" models from psychology and real-world experience.”

Charlie Munger

About This Quote

Source Speech: USC Business School, 2014

He critiques efficient market theory, noting irrationality and psychological factors ignored by economists.

In simple terms: Markets are often irrational, contrary to theory.

Key Takeaway

Consider human psychology in markets.

Themes

economics behavioral finance irrationality

Mood

analytical critical

Type

lecture financial

When to use this quote

  • investment strategy
  • risk assessment
  • financial education

Key Concepts

psychology market theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to blend rational and irrational models?
  • What evidence supports each view?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on irrationality may ignore rational trends.

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