It's not about being cynical.
Nor is it about being skeptical.
It's about basing our opinions or decisions on some backing of facts - if any.
If we don't verify what we've heard or read and pass the same message to others, we are merely parroting and passing hearsay to others. Rumour-mongers?
And if the message was indeed false or misinterpreted, what do we do? We say it's not our fault and blame it on whoever passed us the information right!?
Let's focus on the verify part.
If we can't, don't know how, or where to start, etc; I hope alarm bells are ringing in our heads.
That means we are out of our depths. Outside our circle of competence?
Think about it for a moment.
Keep this thought next time you were tempted into an investment opportunity or trading setup offered by others.
Ask if you are basing it on your own independent analytical, fact verification, and decision making skills; or is it based on faith and trust of the messenger?
P.S. It's a great habit to have in the Corporate world too. There's only so many times you can apologize to your Board or Steering Group that you have not verified the facts...
Singapore Man of Leisure (welcome to my blog; just google it!)
