Businessman Quote by V. S. Naipaul
“A businessman is someone who buys at ten and is happy to get out at twelve. The other kind of man buys at ten, sees it rise to eighteen and does nothing. He is waiting for it to rise to twenty. When it drops to two he waits for it to get back to ten.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Book of My Lives", 1995
People often trade short‑term profit for long‑term gain, missing opportunities by waiting for perfect timing.
In simple terms: Short‑term focus can blind us to better, later outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Balance patience with timely action.
Themes
investment
patience
timing
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- stock market
- real estate
- career decisions
- personal finance
Key Concepts
behavioral economics
opportunity cost
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you chasing quick wins or planning for lasting value?
- How can you recognize when to act versus when to wait?
A Different Perspective
Waiting for the ideal moment can cause missed growth.
