Time Quote by Michael Lewis
![“There is a magic moment, during which a man has surrendered a treasure, and during which the man who is about to receive it has not yet done so. An alert lawyer [read bond trader] will make that moment his own, possessing the treasure for a magic microsecond, taking a little of it, passing it on.” quote by Michael Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bdd/michael-lewis-705_time_there-is-a-magic-moment-during-which-a-m_2335776.jpg)
““There is a magic moment, during which a man has surrendered a treasure, and during which the man who is about to receive it has not yet done so. An alert lawyer [read bond trader] will make that moment his own, possessing the treasure for a magic microsecond, taking a little of it, passing it on.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Flash Boys, 2014
In high‑stakes finance, a fleeting opportunity lets a savvy trader claim value before others can act, illustrating the speed of advantage.
In simple terms: A quick move lets a trader grab a brief advantage.
Key Takeaway
Act fast to capture fleeting opportunities.
Themes
finance
strategy
timing
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
educational
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- trading
- bond markets
- legal negotiations
- investment decisions
Key Concepts
market microstructure
information asymmetry
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you identify your own magic moments?
- How does speed affect fairness in markets?
A Different Perspective
The “magic moment” may be rare and hard to predict.
![“Crucial decisions are made, today as thousands of years ago, in terms of the intuitive guesses and preferences of a few men in positions of authority...[it is] quite likely that the fate of entire societies may be sealed by a series of avoidable mistakes committed by their leaders.” quote by Michael Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a59/michael-lewis-705_decision-making_crucial-decisions-are-made-today-as-thou_16888.jpg)
