- Thomas M.
- Thursday, November 17, 2022
The Financial Literacy book review series #FinLit recommends thought-provoking books about money, investing, and personal finance. This post is about Enough by John Bogle.
The title of this book comes from a poem by famous American author Kurt Vonnegut called JOE HELLER:
True story, Word of Honor:
Joseph Heller, an important and funny writer
now dead,
and I were at a party given by a billionaire
on Shelter Island.
I said, “Joe, how does it make you feel
to know that our host only yesterday
may have made more money
than your novel ‘Catch-22’
has earned in its entire history?”
And Joe said, “I’ve got something he can never have.”
And I said, “What on earth could that be, Joe?”
And Joe said, “The knowledge that I’ve got enough.”
Not bad! Rest in peace!
John Bogle uses this anecdote as the core behind his essays about character, integrity, and stewardship. November is often associated with Thanksgiving and gratitude, and I think this book matches those themes pretty well. Bogle’s books usually include peeks inside the financial industry and sensible, common-sense investing advice. This book focuses on how to lead a life, business, or family with honor.
He also rails against financial giants and CEOs whose unchecked greed harms themselves, their employees, and their customers. An attitude of gratitude can prevent us from repeating their mistakes!