Sit On Your Hands

It Works

So tell me, how many of you have actually read the Charles Dickens novel “A Tale of Two Cities”? We had a very progressive English and history teacher in Junior High School who exposed us to this and many more in 8th grade. Instead of being a solid institution of learning, thanks to Judge Gerald Joseph Weber, a district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, today we have a great football team. I’m glad it didn’t change until after I graduated.

A phrase appears in the opening paragraph of his novel that means as much today as it did when Dickens wrote it:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair …, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way …”

A Tale of Two Cities, Para.1, Line, 1

It tells about a time of chaos, conflicts, despair and happiness. In fact it tells us about a time of extreme opposites without any in-betweens. As “A Dinosaur’s Story” told us in 1993, “we’re back” and “A Tale of Two Cities” is back as well. As a matter of fact, it never left. This time however it is worldwide in nature and Dickens’ actual meaning is more prolific in many ways than ever before. If you never read it do so; if time allows read it again, even the Cliff Notes; they’re pretty good.

This passage directly suggests an age of radical opposites across the English Channel, in France and the United Kingdom respectively. It openly speaks of the contrasts and comparisons between London and Paris during the French revolution. In essence you can compare this time to Israel and those with differing opinions of what is right and what is not. Both times point out a major conflict between family and love, hatred and oppression, good and evil, light and darkness, and wisdom and folly. It’s a vulnerable time of despair and suffering on one hand, and joy and hope on the other.

This is an apt phrase to be used in the context of today’s world when, on the one hand, the rich are enjoying luxurious lives; while on the other hand, the poor are struggling under the yoke of economic decline. It’s best context is where one country or situation is compared with another; one must ask if a revolution or sudden transformation will follow. Your guess is as good as mine. The reason I’m currently invested as I am and happily “sitting on my hands” is reflective of my feelings today. What about you?

So, you may ask, why am I bringing this up today and what context am I trying to drill into that “space between your ears” with it. That’s simple. For whatever reason I have been besieged by “newbies”, you know the “kiddies” who declare themselves to be the new breed of “experts” because they’ve been trading, some as long as ten years. Wow, I listen to them as I listen to everyone; that’s how I learn. Years ago, 55+ to be exact, I saw that everyone knew more than me. I knew I could learn a lot about the world from them. Unfortunately only a few took the time to listen to me. Most, just like what I see in today’s diatribe, just wanted to sell me something. I bit a couple times so it’s best to listen to everyone. In reality they are few and far between but I do my best to listen.

I’ve met a few solid people on LinkedIn and many others certainly stand out. One you should check out is Jude Overo. Chances are once I have a viable opportunity or two for Jude to dig into we’ll talk further. For now however, since the last thing I’ll do is waste my own or anyone else’s time, I’ll just suggest you look him up and tell him that “The Ticker” sent you. Let me know what you think and always, do your own thing. I am happy to suggest Jude; it’s up to you to decide whether to work with him or not.

At the same time stay away, far away from today’s daily “flash in the pan”. They’re out there are whether or not you approve of their “hey look at me” today style, the chance that they find you is probable. Listen to them then do what I do, wish them the best of luck and “sit on your hands”. If you following me in earnest you know, above all, I am a very consistent investor, author and above all pretty solid better half. It’s easy to act in this manner. I trust you do the same.

I think Dickens wrote a timeless book. It makes sense. My book, “The Ticker’s Bible” is due back in my hands tomorrow. It’s 370 pages and covers what’s near and dear to my heart. About halfway through with the Udemy course(s) and hope to have them live on their site before Thankgiving. Rome wasn’t built in a day. My knowledge was not either. I find it fulfilling to “give back” to all of you and trust you do the same.

Who can forget John Lennon. Sure, some want to forget Yoko Ono but like everything else, you need to take the good with the bad. Dickens did it, now it’s your turn. In the song “Give Peace A Chance” it was the Vietnam War that took center stage. Today it’s the Israeli - Iranian conflict. Like “A Tale of Two Cities” it’s timeless. Peace would be nice, let’s give it a chance.