What are some of the metaphors* people have for the markets and for trading?
*Eg, 'All the world's a stage' (Shkspr)
For example, the latest one I've adopted is 'trading is a game'.
More than just a slogan or a catchphrase, that statement is really quite representative of how I've come to view trading. I don't see it as 'serious' or as something I've 'got to make money at'.
I see it as a game being played between all the market participants, whether they think they're part of it or not, in which there isn't, and can never be, a 'winner'; although some of the players can certainly 'be winning' at it.
I know it's easy to write this stuff off as 'mere semantics', but I really think delving into such (usually subconscious) thoughts can yield some interesting information (for oneself).
As an example, if you're name is Hitman, you might describe the markets as 'Trading is war. It's a battlefield out and there and you've gotta slay them all if you want to emerge victorious. This is it, do or die. One shot. It's all for the princess'. I think it's pretty obvious that someone with that type of concept of trading would probably make his decisions quite differently (and thus likely expect and reach different outcomes) than someone for whom 'Trading is like a walk in the meadows, each trade being like stopping to smell the next new flower you find.' (Silly, but it makes a point.)
I'd be interested to hear what metaphors others have, especially some of the 'old timers' who may not post so much anymore, but I'm sure are still lurking (like me). So rather than get caught up in the latest bout of worthless mr.market or gekko mania, maybe take some time and try thinking (and share your thoughts).
*Eg, 'All the world's a stage' (Shkspr)
For example, the latest one I've adopted is 'trading is a game'.
More than just a slogan or a catchphrase, that statement is really quite representative of how I've come to view trading. I don't see it as 'serious' or as something I've 'got to make money at'.
I see it as a game being played between all the market participants, whether they think they're part of it or not, in which there isn't, and can never be, a 'winner'; although some of the players can certainly 'be winning' at it.
I know it's easy to write this stuff off as 'mere semantics', but I really think delving into such (usually subconscious) thoughts can yield some interesting information (for oneself).
As an example, if you're name is Hitman, you might describe the markets as 'Trading is war. It's a battlefield out and there and you've gotta slay them all if you want to emerge victorious. This is it, do or die. One shot. It's all for the princess'. I think it's pretty obvious that someone with that type of concept of trading would probably make his decisions quite differently (and thus likely expect and reach different outcomes) than someone for whom 'Trading is like a walk in the meadows, each trade being like stopping to smell the next new flower you find.' (Silly, but it makes a point.)
I'd be interested to hear what metaphors others have, especially some of the 'old timers' who may not post so much anymore, but I'm sure are still lurking (like me). So rather than get caught up in the latest bout of worthless mr.market or gekko mania, maybe take some time and try thinking (and share your thoughts).
