Saturday, 29 December 2012

The Britannica Guide To Soccer

Soccer... Or football in our terms... remains my favorite... Apart from IT+Mathematics stuff in Algo as mentioned in the previous read, football remains my number one hobby during my leisure time. As such, I always find interesting to read football stuff...

Ok, some major discoveries through this book... The earliest teams played in attack-oriented formations (such as 1-1-8 or 1-2-7) with strong emphasis on individual dribbling skills... Preston North End created the more cautious 2-3-5 system. (Cautious? LOL). Then we got Herbet Chapman, the Arsenal legend of all time who created the WM formation, featuring 5 defenders and 5 attackers; 3 backs and 2 halves in defensive role, and 2 inside forwards assisting the 3 attacking forwards. Amazing, right? Despite my knowledge in football (I thought I know a lot, LOL), there are still some new stuff to dig out from this book. This is an evidence on how beneficial a book can bring to a reader. So, for those who slammed me for reading so much; well, I gain all the way except losing some of my leisure time... Net winners, right? LOL.

However, I thought the coverage is not details enough. Overall, this is just a "guide"... In precise, a guide in very "general" way. As such, readers who are familiar with world of football may find this book very inadequate. For example, the author missed out tons of great players in the "Past Soccer Greats" such as Dennis Bergkamp, Raul, etc. Meanwhile, the author selections of "Current Stars" created a lot of confusion when Michael Ballack and Landon Donovan were in while tons of Barcelona tiki-taka personnel were left out cruelly. Well, judging a player is something subjective. However, since it is a "guide"; any irrelevant info could be misleading to some football newbies.

Then, we got this very simple introduction on football tactics and formations. I am very disappointed when the author did not dig further into the "Total Football". With the book published before the famous Tiki-Taka, it is fine for the author to omit the said beautiful tactics. However, you do not leave out "Total Football" as that was the masterpiece of skills that certain teams are still deploying at the moment. Finally, since the author have topics on "Past Soccer Greats" and "Current Stars", what about the managerial section? In my humble opinion, managers are the real soul and architect of a club. Hence, there is no reason not to talk about it...

To be frank, it took me less than 48 hours to finish this book. Besides the leisure of reading what I love, there is some food of thoughts... First, the corruption being mentioned throughout the book. Although not being emphasized, it is really something to ponder about. After all, sports lost its identity thanks to the series of corruptions. Then, we see the ups and downs of famous football clubs around the world. The two obvious examples are Arsenal and Ac Milan. The said two teams were famous clubs those days. Now, the Gunners were hit by the stadium and the stubborn Professor (The current owner as well) who view football as a pure business. The Rossoneri itself was a reflection from the economic slump and inflationary wages. So, in contradict, one club tried to survive on its own while losing popularity as it simply cannot compete with big clubs in Citeh and Chelsea. On the other hand, the Italian seems moving backwards as they just cannot hold on (and buying in) with star players who demanded higher salaries.

Overall, this is a nice book for me since I am a football die-hard fan. Although some flaws, I rated it at 6/10. To sum it up, it is a "leisure" book... When we are stuck in the holiday mood, this kind of books serves its purpose.... LOL!

Thursday, 27 December 2012

Nerds On Wall Street

I love IT stuff and of course... I love investment stuff too. Since "Algo" is the combination of what I love... this book attracted me so much at first glance...

As mentioned on the cover, it is all about Math, machines and wires markets... I think for those who are keen on the said subject, this book serves as a very good introduction on how maths and machines become part and parcel of wired market these days. However, for those who are not really keen; they might find it boring. I thought the writing is quite rigid(stiff?LOL) for certain chapter. After all, the author needs to explain the chronology in wired markets from day one. Besides, this book is actually a collection of articles written for technology magazines from the mid-80s to the mid-90s. As such, there are certain items which we may not know since those were the days where computer was still an expensive luxury stuff.

Then, we have some irrelevant stuff in the final few chapters. (In my humble opinions...) Even the author mentioned that he did not planned for that in the first place. Well, it was the sub-prime stuff. But, I honestly do not see any correlation with our topic here. Perhaps a little bit, but not necessary at all. End of the day, the author's view in regards to the said issue seems misleading too...

Ok, some bad stuff... What about the good stuff? Well... to be honest, a lot! In my humble opinion, this is a book that was arranged neatly in a way that tells the whole stories thoroughly. (Bear in mind that this is a collection of articles) End of the day; like I said above, it is a good start for those who are keen on Algo. In fact, I thought it is good refreshment for those who are familiar with Algo stuff. Hence, overall, despite some weaknesses, it is one of the very best investment book(articles?) in the market.

I personally love chapter 6 on the topic of "Stupid Data Miner Tricks". It serves as a good reminder for those who thought they can be a good miner. A few phrases are good enough to prove my point. "Whatever raw materials you choose, fooling yourself remains an occupational hazard in quantitative investing. The market has only one past, and constantly revisiting it until you find that magic formula for untold wealth will eventually produce something that looks great, in the past." Further to this... "When doing data mining, it is important to be very careful of what you ask for, because you will get it." Then, it is followed by "A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history- with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila." Finally, we got this very nice quote: "The easy access to data and tools to mine it gives new meaning to the admonition about lies, damn lies and statistics. The old adage caveat emptor, buyer beware, is still excellent advice. If it seems too good to be true, it is."

It was then followed by a very details description on manipulating via Chapter 11. Check out list of messages as below (a remarkable stuff published in year 2000 by someone named Tel212):
Message boards guidelines, used by shorters that short sell stocks:
1. Be anonymous, of course.
2. Use 10% fact and 90% suggestion... Facts give credibility, while suggestion does the "sell".
3. Let others "help" you learn about the stock thereby developing rapport and support base.
4. Use multiple handles, but develop a unique style for each.
5. Use multiple ISPs.
6. Start each new handle slowly to build acceptance.
7. Occasionally, use two handles to "discuss" an issue.
8. Do not show all your cards at once when slamming a stock. It's a war- it's ok to lose a battle as long as you save enough ammo to win a war.
9. Know your enemies - they will end up being your best weapons.
10. Only slam until the tide starts to turn. Let doubt carry the stock back with the tide.
11. Maintain an appearance of being open minded but slant in either direction is acceptable.
12. Don't appear meek. No one follows the meek.
13. Strike just as your opponent starts to gather momentum but not before or you lose your sting.
14. Don't worry if people beg you for a slammer. The doubt will remain and that's what you are after.
15. If pegged, put up a brief fight, then let them feel they've won. This puts their guard down within a few days and your other handles can take over from there.
16. When slamming a stock, the intent is to minimize its rise, not to create an instant plunge.
17. To slam a stock requires you only to kill the dream not the company.
18. Use questions to invoke critical thinking and use statements to reinforce. 
19. You can be liberal in your questions but be specific and precise in your statements.
20. Don't lie, but bend the truth.
21. When slamming, encourage research beyond calling the company. You know people are far too lazy and it's only doubt you are after, not confirmation.
22. When slamming, discourage people from taking the company's word- encourage them to seek outside proof. If the company's history is bad, point them there.
23. When slamming, refer to missed deadlines and weak financials.
24. When slamming, if the price rises, blame it on a temporary mass reaction to a press release rather than real interest in the stock. Point out low volume and emphasize the selling.
25. Pretend to share the same concerns by learning what they want to hear.
26. And above all else, be unpredictable.
Such "pump and dump" strategies sound frightening... The only thing I can comment: the author (the anonymous?) seems revealing too much through this "frightening" posting! LOL.

Final thoughts... Out of 10, I am going to rate it at 7. Overall, this is a very good book to explore. Although there are some weaknesses from my very own perspective, it is confirmed not a polluted stuff, LOL.

Despite some nice quotes above, I preserve few as below to serve as a soft reminder to myself. Enjoy it...

A computer does not substitute for judgement any more than a pencil substitutes for literacy. But writing without a pencil is no particular advantage. 

Life would be so much easier if we only had the source code. - Hacker Proverb


To err is human. To really screw up, you need a computer.

If you give someone a program, you will frustrate them for a day; if you teach them how to program, you will frustrate them for a lifetime.

Be careful what you ask for - you might get it.

In the real world, potential alpha is reduced, and sometimes eliminated by transaction costs. Trading is the implementation of investment ideas, and poor implementation can negate the potential value of any idea.

Sunday, 23 December 2012

太监谈往录

刚看完港剧【大太监】,那么巧,上一轮订购的中国图书就包括这一本【太监谈往录]。看【大太监】看的是一头雾水。读这一本【太监谈往录]虽然文笔不太顺畅,内容一部分也挺沉闷的;但,至少真实性和准确率提高了许多。。。我还是不太明白香港连续剧怎么就不能如内地连续剧般好好的拍一套历史剧。。。

不谈连续剧了,谈一谈这本书吧。。。这是一本晚清太监回忆录的合集。由于是作者的亲历亲闻,很多细节还真的挺震撼的。至少,他们的身之亲历,目之亲睹和耳之亲闻肯定和我们对于宫廷和清朝的点点滴滴有着很大的不同见解。

老实说,我更喜欢后半段清宫太监回忆录的小故事。虽简单,但每一件事都有它惊心动魄的一面。一开始的“难忘的酷刑”就够难忘了。再来,西太后吃人奶的行径还真让人惊讶!或许是前半段(宫廷琐记)太沉闷了,因此后半段的小故事虽小,却趣味十足。。。

但,如以上所说;这一本回忆录的文笔还真的有点欠缺。整个感觉就是作者们的文化程度和思维定式个有局限。所以,沉闷的感觉充斥着正本书。看着,看着,有时还真的难以投入。因此,个人评分不会太高。满分10分最多也只值个4分。毕竟,当读者很难专心投入在一本书籍上,整个阅读的乐趣就不见了。不错的一本书。。。但,从读的机会应该是零吧。。。

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

先秦诸子百家争鸣

看完了费城风云,突然很想重温易中天教授的其它书籍。选了又选,最终选择这本我非常喜爱的经典之作。

上一轮阅读这本书时(大约两年前吧。。。),就觉得趣味十足。易中天老师解剖历史细节本来就有自己的一套。更何况,这不只是一本历史书,还是一本百家争鸣的哲学论。因此,从读的感觉还是觉得很有趣。怎么个有趣法?孔子的诞生产生了所谓的先秦诸子百家争鸣。根据易老师的分析,孔子不只是文化巨匠。他还是失意官员,模范教师,孤独长者和性情中人。那春秋和战国对易老师来说,又代表了什么呢?原来,相同的是天下无道。不同的是,战国时代社会更动荡,政治更黑暗,战争更频繁,人民更痛苦。换句话说。春秋时期,是客客气气,羞羞答答,遮遮掩掩的坏。这也就是为什么墨子和孔子虽表面上一致,但墨子更极端。。。有趣吧?这只是开端吧了。

再来,看一看孔子,墨子和孟子错综复杂的关系。。。易老师一开始的孔孟之别就已经够过瘾了。孔子温文尔雅,孟子心直口快;孔子为人低调,孟子个性张扬。。。所以,易老师说,孟子更像墨子。相同之处在于他们都是侠义之士。细微之处在于墨子行侠,孟子仗义;墨子反战,孟子爱民。然后,易老师又分析了墨子的三大方法:算账(利害的计算),恐吓(鬼神的吓唬)和集权(君主的专政)。正是由于这些方法,又造成了儒墨两家的三大分歧:功利还是仁义,鬼神还是天命,军权还是民权。有趣吧?哈。。。

还有一点。。。易老师的这本经典之作还不只是有趣罢了。其实,里面也包含了春秋时期和战国时期种种天下无道的事迹。个人其实蛮喜欢春秋战国这一段历史的。理由是,这是一段又有趣又有知识性的历史。诚如易老师最后的总结般:墨家关注社会,留下了社会理想~这就是平等,互利和博爱。道家关注人生,留下了人生追求~这就是真实,自由和宽容。法家关注国家,留下了治国理念~这就是公开,公平,公正。儒家关注文化,留下了核心价值~这就是仁爱,正义,自强。简单来说,墨家留下了建设家园的美好理想,道家留下了指导人生的智慧结晶,法家留下了应对变革的思想资源,儒家留下了凝聚民心的价值体系。。。够意思吧?

易老师的大总结:“和谐” ~ 抽象地继承下来这些宝贵的遗产。。。既可以各取所需,但不必厚此薄彼。有道理吧?哈。。。试问,一本从头到尾都很有趣,很够意思,很有道理的书籍,我应该给几分呢?如果【中国的智慧】值满分,那这一本肯定也是10分满分之作。。。。

最后,这本书有意义和值得探讨以铭记于心的(诸子争鸣什么?为什么?怎么办?)还不只是以上所说。看一看下面的这几段吧。。。。满分的书籍就有它满分的道理(就是够牛!):

孔子为儒指引的出路是读书做官,而且最好是在读书和做官之间游刃有余。墨子为侠指引的出路是平时自食其力,急时行侠仗义。但,自食其力没法出人头地,行侠仗义则不为官方所容。因此,最终儒家胜利,墨家失败。

所谓的隐士,就是“有本事”但“不做事”。不过,真正的隐士恐怕是连话也都不会多说的,更不会和别人辩论。所以,老子和庄子都顶多是“隐士哲学家”。

老庄的无为,可以概括为八个字:寡欲,愚民,反智,不德。

老子强调肉体生存和物质需求是必须满足的。精神生活和思想文化就免谈。老子一书,基本上是韵文。所以,我也把这个观点总结为一句押韵的话:虚其心,实其腹,弱其志,强其骨,舒舒服服变成动物。

老子说,要治国,就要愚民;要愚民,就要愚君;要愚君,就要反智。这就叫“以智治国,国之贼,不以智治国,国之福。”

仁义礼乐都是道德堕落以后才冒出来的东西。这样的东西,能是好东西吗?

这个时代的前提是:“大道既隐,天下为家”。大道既隐,就是“失道”。失道而后德,所以有周公的“以德治国”。到春秋时期,礼坏乐崩了,这就是“失德”。失德而后仁,所以孔子讲仁。到战国中期,孔子这一套也不行,这就是“失仁”。失仁而后义,所以孟子讲义。到战国后期,孟子这一套也没人听,这就是“失义”。失义而后礼,所以荀子讲礼。

如果说一个“兼”字,区别开儒家和墨家(儒家讲仁爱,墨家讲兼爱);那么一个“无”字,就区别开儒家和道家(儒家讲有为,道家讲无为)。

老子多权谋,庄子多智慧。老子讲逻辑,庄子重感悟。所以,老子的道和庄子的道虽然都是“无为”,但老子的道是冷冰冰,庄子的道是生动鲜活和充满情感的。

最后的胜利往往属于柔弱的一面。。。所以老子说,善于当兵的,不英武;善于作战的,不愤怒;善于胜敌的,不与敌人交锋。

老子的“无为”,其实是“有为”,甚至是“大有作为”。。。按照老子的辩证法,矛盾对立的双方总是相互转换的。你越是想得到,就越是没有。越是不想,就越能得到。所以,老子假无为,庄子真无为。

我个人的态度,是欣赏道家,赞成儒家。或者说,做人学道家,做事学儒家。

儒墨可以互补,儒墨就难。法家是儒,墨,道三家的继承者,也是他们的批判者,还是新学说的主张者。

商鞅的悲剧不是他的“人”有问题,而是他的“法”有问题。有什么问题呢?只有维护君王统治的手段,没有保护人民的意思。

韩非其实是死于自己的学说。他叫大家如何计算别人,结果自己却被别人计算。

孔子周游列国,墨子奔走呼号,孟子游说诸侯,谁都不听他们的。老子和庄子原本自说自话,当然更没人听。唯独法家,不但其说被采纳,其人也被重用。

法家的成功:面对现实,与时并进,横行霸道,两面三刀 (两面就是二柄:即奖与惩,赏与罚。三刀就是势,术,法;即仗势欺人,阴谋诡计,严刑峻法。

荀子说,人,论力气不如牛,论述度不如马,可以说处处不如动物。然而,牛马却为人所用。因为人能组织社会,牛马不能。由此可见,人类之所以能够生存靠的不是天赋能力,而是社会力量。社会如果解体,人就牛马不如。

从理想层面讲,孔子有道理;从操作层面讲,韩非更可行。。。因为孔子的制度是按照圣贤的标准来设计的。韩非的制度,则是按照常人的标准来设计的。

孔子开了一个先例,就是以民间思想家的身份,对天下大事发表意见。此列一开,不可收拾。。。墨子说,孟子说,杨朱,庄子荀子,韩非都说。老子虽然好像面对着空气,也是说。这就是“争鸣”,即争着说,而且多半会提到孔子。

子路的话,孔子听不进去。。。看来,从孔子开始,中国人就不善于也不愿意反省自己。

当我们遇到问题时,是应该“反省”还是“自欺”。我的看法是反省肯定正确;自欺要看情况。因为自欺也不一定是不好。这里的关键是;第一:必须有意识,知道这是自欺。第二:只能自欺,不能欺人,除非需要集体的自欺。

你可以反对某种信仰,但不能没有信仰。在人类的早期,所有的民族都得靠它们来凝聚族群。显然,周人只能用某种信仰去取代另一种信仰。但,绝不能取消崇拜和信仰。因此,在把神位拉下神坛的同时,还必须把别的什么送上去。于是,人(圣人)就被当成神来拜。

社会剧变,士不着急;社会剧变,士最有用;社会剧变,士最受益。结果是什么?社会剧变,士人最牛!

士人为什么可以这样牛?三个原因:有本事,无负担,任自由。

道家主张“无为而治”其实是“不治”。墨家主张“贤人政治”其实是“人治”。儒家主张“以德治国”,其实是“礼治”。“不治”的结果是无政府状态。“人治”的结果是人亡政息。礼治的结果是礼坏乐崩。这才有了法家的“以法治国”。这是有道理的,也是应该抽象继承的。。。就是只取“制度比人可靠”这一点,不要法家设计的专制制度。

老子的思想其实有问题。按照老子这一套,人人装孙子,个个缩脑袋。咱们这个民族怎样才能实现“和平崛起”和“伟大复兴”?所以,老子的想法也只能抽象继承。就是做人低调一点,做事却必须高标准,严要求。

Thursday, 13 December 2012

费城风云

老实说,很少会选择阅读中国作者关于外国事迹的书籍。但,对于外国学者揣摩中国内地的点点滴滴,我倒是挺喜欢的。因此,是时候对中国作者公平一些。更何况,作者还是我个人非常喜爱和敬佩的易中天易教授。

易老师这回不谈中国历史,反而研究了美国一段很重要的风云变幻。这一段变幻的重要性不用我多说。只是,从易老师的角度来分析应该蛮有趣吧。。。怎么说,易老师是有名的分析家。看待历史也比一般学者来的透彻。最牛的是,易老师诙谐有趣的语言,肯听能让读者读得乐趣十足。毕竟,美国的这一段历史还挺沉闷的,哈。。。

结果嘞???老实说,读了几本易老师的作品,这本应该是最差的一本。。。所谓的“差”并不是这本书不好。主要是,他其他的作品太好了!易老师一贯的作品都能让人追的爱不释手。但,这一本,稍微有点不专注,都很难啃掉整本书。或许,不是易老师的问题。可能,费城这一段大历史虽大,却是闷的发慌的一段风云录(哈!)。。。以往,易老师都能够把郁闷的历史故事说的动听十足。但,这一回很明显是失败了。

诚如易老师所说的。。。这只是一本民主政治的普及读物!所以,抛开以上的比较,它还是很称职的一本读物。至少,没读过美国宪法诞生的读者肯定能通过这本书了解整个宪法的点点滴滴。虽然少了一贯的诙谐幽默;但很严肃的去读一本书也不一定是坏事。。。

评分方面。。。始终认为易老师的其他作品更好,因此10分满分我只能给6分。不错的一本普及读物。但,吸引力还真的被其他作品给盖掉了。。。

Friday, 7 December 2012

郑裕彤传(鲨胆大亨)

对于香江的商业事迹,我从小就很着迷。理由是。。。这里是个自由的过度,这里有我最喜欢的金融投机,这里偏地是黄金,这里有太多太多如同鲨胆大亨的传奇事迹了。。。

和李嘉诚一样,郑裕彤也不是第一批涉足香港地产业的大亨。但,和李超人一样,他却是其中一位靠地产大富大贵的香港企业家之一。这里,牵涉到两个重点。第一,这些后知后觉的大亨其实并不贪恋赚足整个过程。只要能在整个趋势中稳赚里头的60-70%的利润,迟一些进场也不是什么大不了的事。相反,很多成功学刻意卖弄“饮头一啖汤”的哲学是不是更倾向于“不在乎天长地久,只在乎曾经拥有”境界?每个人都有个选择。只要是选择自己最认同的;其实也没有所谓的对错。。。第二,郑裕彤早期以黄金和珠宝踏足商场的背景还真帮了他许多。当年,炒卖黄金而大起大落的投机客让他看到稳扎稳打的重要性。(“我年轻时见过炒金就是这样。狂起暴跌,很多人跌得头破血流。做地产也是这样的道理。。。凡事不宜过头。结果博得太尽,也就一头跟着栽进去。”)就这两点,也足够读者好好的慎思了。。。。

再来,作者很有意思的透露鲨胆大亨其实隐藏着一些些儒家思想。看一看这一段:“笔者认为,在收购他人的公司上,郑裕彤都未摆脱传统商人的思维模式- 朋友妻,不可欺,朋友财,不可贪。。。在他的意识中,为商作恶,莫过于夺人饭碗,购人公司,断其生路。”很有意思吧?

不过,有一样东西我还是一头雾水。。。郑裕彤怎么会有鲨胆之称呢?从这本书,我看到的都是些稳扎稳打的手法。就如书中也提到郑裕彤的三句名言:1. 做什么投资都没有做地产更稳。2. 欠债就不是家财。我比较保守,不喜欢背太高的债。3. 我不喜欢投机,也不允许投机。因此,所谓的“鲨胆”还真的让人想不通。唯一的可能性只有两个:一,作者的资料不够齐全(欠缺鲨胆本色的事迹)。二,个人对鲨胆的定义和作者或整个香港人(鲨胆称号在香港是众所皆知的)都不一样。若要硬生生找出鲨胆之举,或许赌王何鸿燊对他的评语最能刻画出郑裕彤的鲨胆本色:“够胆色,决断神速,而去交易时绝对爽快。”

整体来说,这是本不错的自传。满分10分,我至少都打个8分。作者的手笔虽有少许的沉闷(太透彻了,哈!),但解析度还是挺高的。至少,作者会套用很多其它资料(如赌王何鸿燊的访问)来证实自己的观点。所以,对号入座的感觉就不常发生。再来,鲨胆大亨本身的事迹也是值得探讨的。从屡败屡战的精神,和赌王闯荡世界级赌场,失败于风险投资(丁谓案),与美国地产大亨耐人寻味的合作,豪门结怨,和接班人问题等等的多彩人生就足于显示这本自传的可读性。对于本地读者,还有一点可能会令大家都还蛮意外的。鲨胆大亨原来也曾被雪兰莪苏丹赐予DPMS拿督的头衔(1989年)。。。。

如果你厌倦了李超人的李氏致富人生,不如尝试一下鲨胆大亨平凡中带有传奇性的这一本书籍吧。。。

Monday, 3 December 2012

英保良二老板林道荣

阅读这本自传时,英保良二老板林道荣已经过世。。。其实,很意外会在书局看到这本书。曾几何时,“英保良”这个名称就相等于我小时候的欲望。当年,只要有机会去一趟英保良,简直就是会高兴到手足舞蹈。可想而知,英保良对我成长过程起到多么大的意义。。。

孩童时期,一直想不通好好的一间购物商场怎么说没有就没了。(好奇怪噢!哈!)长大后,开始知道一点一滴关于它的兴衰史。但,就是找不到太多细节。因此,这本书的出现总算解答了我一大半的疑问。

看完了整本书,还真的很心酸。。。原来,当年带给我无限欢乐的购物商场经历了那么多的酸甜苦辣。拿督林道荣还真的很本事。整个兴衰史虽比不上史玉柱的巨人事迹,但也堪称是本土非常值得探讨的一个个案。毕竟,商界里,能够东山再起的已经非常有限。更何况,我们看到的是一个临老才遇到人生危机的一个企业家!说实在,我是衷心佩服英保良二老板!他老人家不屈不饶的精神真的很可敬!

整体来说,这是本个人非常喜欢的一本书。但,我必须承认,个人非常崇拜书中的主人翁。因此,难免会爱屋及乌的喜欢上这本书。其实,整本书也不是没缺点。一般上自传有的罗嗦和重复性免不了还是会在书中出现。但,因个人偏好,所以以个人角度去打分肯定不低。10分满分,我给9分。对于一个传奇性钜子来说,过世前能够觉得自己是个快乐的人(林道荣说,他现在是一个最快乐的人,因为他没有欠银行一分钱,也有钱购物置地,比起过去更是轻松。从前生意很大,但是用别人的钱。一旦有难就兵败如山倒,这种危机今天不会在发生。若健康允许,他还要再冲刺。),我觉得,拿督林道荣应该也算不枉此生了!毕竟,得失他有过,大起大落他也有过。。。而,留给我们后人的除了回忆,还有一些值得我们学习,反思和借鉴的精神。

英保良二老板,一路走好。。。。。

Saturday, 1 December 2012

创业教我的50件事

最近真的看了太多茶毒自己的书籍。。。因此,是时候回归一些文化素质比较高,又比较有文艺气息的书籍。。。最终,选了本又文艺又不失商业本质的书籍。。。

王文华一直是我挺喜欢的一个作家。。。他的文笔好应该是众所皆知。但,我不知道有几个人和我一样并不知道王文华开始涉足商业了。当初,看到这本书时,还真的很惊讶。毕竟,王文华书生的形象太深入民心了。。。

结果嘞???书生始终还是书生。就算有张明正护航,难免还是逃不开书生经营生意的格格不入。这也是这本书最终不怎么吸引我的地方。当初对这本书的期许或许是惊讶,好奇大于实际期许。因此,无形中还是会对他抱有太大的期望。结果。。。还真的挺失望的!

失望在于商业书不像商业书。。。文艺气质又好像不是那么文艺。。。总之,文艺气息好像一直很勉强的蔓延在他所谓的商业过度里。结果感觉就像不伦不类。看商业看的不够沸腾,看文化又好像很牵强。简单来说。。。就是个“乱”字!

当然,就像很多书籍一样,它还是有它可取的地方。以下就是一些我觉得还真的能让我慎思的一些观点:

“周哈理理论(Johari Window)。。。四格窗户的左上角是Social Ego (别人知道,我知道),一个符合社会期待的我;左下角称Hidden Area(别人不知道,我知道),隐藏着个人内心的阴影。右上角称Blind Area(别人知道,我不知道),也就是每个人自己没有察觉的盲点;最后右下角Unknown Area(别人和我都不知道),堪称人的潜意识。当我们试图减少盲点和内在阴影。。。我们会更加活在当下。” ~~~ 这其实是张明正的名言。。。很好的一个提醒!

“伟大的创业,起点都是:我有一个idea!。。。但,很多失败的 创业,起点也是:我有一个idea!” ~~~ 偶像史玉柱讲了好多次的言论。。。无论到哪里,都是那么实用和适用!

“我们已经花了半年的时间,与其说是在寻找『做什么』,不如说是在寻找『不做什么』。创业家都有雄心壮志,失败的原因通常不是因为没做什么,而是做了太多。” ~~~ 肥佬黎的那句经典名言早已深深烙印在我的慧根里。这么巧!王文华也在50个智慧里体会到了。。。赞!

“学习看事情的五层次~往高处看:事件(Event),模式(Pattern),结构(Structure),心态(Mental Model),愿景(Vision)。” ~~~ 这又是张明正的智慧!趋势科技当年能够脱颖而出肯定是这个model起到一定的作用。

“国父搞倒清朝,靠的不是慎密的计划或大规模的行动,而是一次又一次小规模的尝试.”~~~王文华的这个反省还真的很独特。他打开了不只是自己的盲点。其实,也打开了我的小小视野。所以,这一章我体会的最多,而我也最喜欢这一章。

“意见不同没关系,意义相同就好。看法不同没关系,看到的愿景一样就好。”~~~这个大道理说的坦然,但实行起来还真是个大学问!

“光环退了其实是好事,光灯灭了才能看清自己。”~~~王文华能在那么短的时间里就看透这一点,可见书生经营生意还是有他可取的地方。赞!

“没有筹钱的压力,没有赚钱的压力。。。也许没有压力,就没有能力。”~~~压力还真的是种推动力。难怪这么多的历史辉煌战绩都是源自于致之死地而后生!

整体来说,虽说“文化气息”+“商业铜臭味”的组合搞到这本书格格不入。。。但它的可取点(如以上所列出的)也不少。至少,我个人觉得这本书好过很多市面上的“成功”书籍。毕竟,有几个作者肯坦然然的分享自己的失败经验。而,往往这些失败经验却又是那么的中肯和实际。俗语说,成功的方法有很多种,失败的可能性就那几个。如果能够避过失败(就那几个嘛,哈!),成功的路程肯定就在不远处。。。

评分方面,不会太高,但也不会太低。10分满分,就给个6分吧。毕竟,里面有它的缺点,也包含了一些优点。。。蛮不错的一本书,但重读的机会应该会很低吧,哈。。。