Seeking Alpha has a good review of “Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets,” by Robert Weinstein, a trader who’s often written up in Active Trader magazine.
(Weinstein’s site is Paid2Trade):
“Mobs, Messiahs and Markets” is a thought provoking book that comes in at nearly 400 pages. Published by Wiley, William Bonner and Lila Rajiva do a superb job of reviewing human nature and the ways that we often make ourselves our own worst enemy. No one is spared in the list of “do-gooders” and the sheep who follow blindly. The book provides a convincingly critical look at many of the institutions we hold dearly.
I think it’s safe to say that most readers will be offended at some point while reading this book as nothing is left for granted. While I am included in the list that at times did not agree, I was forced to look inside myself and ask if some of my opinions could use more logic and less emotion. I believe that a story of history that is able to provide a new view of today and maybe tomorrow will pass the test of time.
As a history buff and skeptic of mainstream media, I found the examples used in the book to explain how the populace has been “duped” into sending the youngest and brightest into hell to protect what they would not want or agree to if given a vote on the situation. The lasting effect of the reading is that when approached by a “worthy cause” the reader will likely take a serious look at what possible unintended consequences will result and will the goal actually be achieved.
I found the pointed look at the media, politicians, governments, and the great many “do-gooders” to be right on target with a fresh engaging reader absorption that made the book hard to put down. At times when it was time to finish reading for the day I found myself reading “just one more chapter,” which may be all that a reader can really ask for in any book. A book that is hard to set down is truly a book worth getting and reading.
Why people will act differently as a group (often to their own determent as individuals) is a mystery I feel worth exploring and reading. The ideas and examples will bring to life new ways of looking at this age-old problem and how to avoid the trappings. When the next bubble comes along (and it will) you will be better prepared to understand the warning signs and how to protect yourself as well as your family.
If you are ready to take a new look at the world around you with the players, movers, and shakers, this may be the book for you. I recommend reading it to improve your trading and especially to improve your understanding of what goes on behind the curtain of the printing presses and websites that provide the public’s never ending appetite for titillating stories to read and hear regardless of accuracy or relevancy. Get a copy in your hands and you will be glad you did.
Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours.
