Hinduism teaches reincarnation, not Buddhism. Better to at least delve into something a little before drawing conclusions about it. I'd much rather be rich and anonymous, keeps the relationships real. Gnode, great Alan Watts stuff, it's been forever since I read/listened to him. This is especially applicable to trading: "To be stopped at a certain point is what is called 'having a doubt', as when one fumbles or wobbles or hesitates about something, trying to find the right solution for the circumstances by thinking it out in a situation where there really is no time to think it out." Hey Jalee, when I attain my $100 million I'm definitely building a bat cave!
Would you rather be rich (>100mil) and avg IQ (100) or very smart (eg., a math savant; IQ >170) and able to write your own employment/research ticket? Which life excites you more? Dumb & rich or ..
Truth is folks, trading is a hobby, not a quick way to big wealth. Earn your money first, then trade. Even investing for others is a more sure way to the big $. No doubt trading is fun but the evidence is it's a horribly bad choice to use as. Primary wealth building tool.
I hope you one day graduate from hobby trader to serious trader, it'll change your perspective on the business.
I traded professionally for 5 years. It's fun yet a gruelling way to eek out a living-- and this was before the HFTs and penny spreads. I am well aware of what it's like. No doubt, I love the markets, but moved beyond the delusions.
Sounds like trading was a delusion for you (as you put it), eeking out a living before penny spreads says a lot, many were absolutely banking during this time. If you could barely get by it was a very smart move of you to move on. Trading isn't for everyone. Sounds like you are a lot happier now so that's a positive.
http://www.elitetrader.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3191313&highlight=accountant#post3191313 .... for the humble folk who dont have a family biz to fall back on .the effort put into trading is taken a little more seriously..and although not everyone makes it,the big $'s are real ..again dal,you're coming off as smug and slightly annoying
None of the above, I will give money to those that do not have and teach them how to multiply it (by investment, money management). In the end of my life, I have helped a lot of persons to be rich not just enriching myself.