---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The hedge fund known as \"Long Term…"
description: "\"The hedge fund known as \"Long Term Capital Management\" collapsed last fall through overconfidence in its highly leveraged methods, despite I.Q.'s of it..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c0/charlie-munger-458_appraisal_the-hedge-fund-known-as-long-term-capita_2253577.jpg"
---

#  The hedge fund known as "Long Term Capital Management"…

![“The hedge fund known as &quot;Long Term Capital Management&quot; collapsed last fall through overconfidence in its highly leveraged methods, despite I.Q.'s of its principals that must have averaged 160. Smart people aren't exempt from professional disasters from overconfidence. Often, they just run aground…” quote by Charlie Munger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c0/charlie-munger-458_appraisal_the-hedge-fund-known-as-long-term-capita_2253577.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c0/charlie-munger-458_appraisal_the-hedge-fund-known-as-long-term-capita_2253577.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2c0/charlie-munger-458_appraisal_the-hedge-fund-known-as-long-term-capita_2253577.jpg)

> “The hedge fund known as "Long Term Capital Management" collapsed last fall through overconfidence in its highly leveraged methods, despite I.Q.'s of its principals that must have averaged 160. Smart people aren't exempt from professional disasters from overconfidence. Often, they just run aground in the more difficult voyages they choose, relying on their self-appraisals that they have superior talents and methods.”

[Charlie Munger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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.

Even highly intelligent, well‑educated people can fail when overconfidence drives them to take excessive risk.

**In simple terms:** Overconfidence can cause smart people to fail.

Key Takeaway

Beware overconfidence and test assumptions.

Themes

finance psychology risk management leadership

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advisory educational

When to use this quote

- investment strategy
- risk assessment
- team hiring
- performance review
- educational workshops

Key Concepts

overconfidence leverage decision bias

Questions to Reflect On

- What checks can curb overconfidence?
- How can teams improve risk awareness?

A Different Perspective

Leverage can amplify losses as well as gains.

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