Rd bk Zurich axioms

The Zurich Axioms are a set of principles for speculation and risk-taking attributed to Swiss bankers, popularized in the book “The Zurich Axioms” by Max Gunther. The book was first published in 1985 and presents 12 major axioms and 16 minor ones designed to guide investors and speculators through the uncertainty of financial markets.

Here’s a brief overview of the 12 major axioms:

1. On Risk: Worry is not a sickness but a sign of health. If you are not worried, you are not risking enough.
2. On Greed: Always take your profit too soon.
3. On Hope: When the ship starts to sink, don’t pray. Jump.
4. On Forecasts: Human behavior cannot be predicted. Distrust anyone who claims to know the future.
5. On Patterns: Chaos is not dangerous until it begins to look orderly.
6. On Mobility: Avoid putting down roots. They impede motion.
7. On Intuition: A hunch can be trusted if it can be explained.
8. On Religion and the Occult: It is unlikely that God’s plan for the universe includes making you rich.
9. On Optimism and Pessimism: Optimism means expecting the best. Confidence means knowing how you will handle the worst. Never make a move if you are merely optimistic.
10. On Consensus: Disregard the majority opinion. It is probably wrong.
11. On Stubbornness: If it doesn’t pay off the first time, forget it.
12. On Planning: Long-range plans produce the dangerous belief that the future is under control. It is important never to confuse long-range planning with long-range thinking.

The book emphasizes practical, often contrarian wisdom to help avoid common financial pitfalls. Would you like a deeper breakdown of any specific axiom or a PDF or summary of the whole book?