Quoth the Raven
· QTR’s Fringe Finance
· May 22, 2026 at 19:38
· ⏱ 15 min read
| Read on Substack ↗
Summary
The author argues that objective truth and market outcomes are disconnected; being fundamentally correct does not guarantee profits, and active trading often destroys portfolio value and mental health. The piece urges a shift toward patience, stillness, and protecting peace, while warning that the modern economy has gamified speculation into an addictive dopamine loop that erodes discipline and relationships.
•The author states that active trading did more damage to his portfolio and mental health than almost any other investing activity.
•He identifies that markets can be irrational for far longer than logic suggests due to liquidity, momentum, central bank intervention, and sentiment.
•Short selling taught him that bad actors, fraud, and poor management can survive far longer than expected because of loopholes, bailouts, and lax regulation.
•He notes that the line between investing, entertainment, speculation, and addiction has become indistinguishable with 24/7 access to prediction markets, sports betting, options, and crypto leverage.
•The author quit fantasy sports, cut off sports betting apps, and now delegates his investments to advisors using sector ETFs, bonds, and conservative long-term holdings.
•He reflects that public analysis is increasingly interpreted through tribalism and emotional loyalty tests rather than substance, citing a response to his SpaceX valuation critique that assumed personal bias against Elon Musk.
•At 43, he prioritizes peace, health, relationships, and meaningful work over proving himself right in markets or online discourse.
•The piece includes a detailed disclaimer emphasizing that the author often loses money, may hold opposing positions without notice, and that nothing is a recommendation.