10 Roads to Riches: A Monkey’s Review

”The problems are in here [referring to the head]; the opportunities are out there.” - Herbert H. Dow, founder of Dow Chemical

You hear it all the time that there are a million ways to make a buck, especially in our industry. It is, in fact, a beautiful thing how many possibilities there are. This book is about ten of those possibilities, and it is written by asset manager and Forbes columnist Ken Fisher, a gentleman who really does believe every single one of us could be rich once we really set our minds to it—a refreshing dose of optimism indeed!

This is not one of those trashy “get rich quick” books—because none of these paths to success is quick. They all involve dedication, bravery and a degree of chutzpah. In fact, examples of these paths to success are all around us, right here on WSO.

We have the first (and many would argue the best) road—the Patrick Curtis route, that of starting your own company. Finding and fulfilling a need, having fun and making the bucks while doing it.

We have the Edmundo Braverman route (yes, we know he’s probably done all ten of these paths)—but it included being a real estate investor through smart financing and a savvy eye for undervalued properties—and believe it or not, it’s not through “flipping.”

We have the IlliniProgrammer method: get a good job, save and invest wisely, and build it over time.

We have the Stephen Ridley path—turning celebrity and fame into cash.

We have the Asia_i_banker route—invent something useful and interesting on your own to profit from, this case the Rickshaw app.

And then of course, we have the path that many anonymous monkeys profess to want to do: just marry somebody rich!

Fisher also tells his own story, which is a combination of starting a company as well as managing other people’s money (yet another path). And he didn’t really discover his path until he was in his 30s! The paths can cross over and mingle, by the way; you aren’t limited to one and only one.

So for those who find the 4-Hour Workweek formula for success a little too ridiculous or unbelievable, 10 Roads to Riches is a breezy, interesting look at the other possibilities….to help you reflect on what path will suit you best.

The most valuable thing I got out of this book didn’t originate from Fisher himself, but from that Herbert Dow quote at the top of this post. As you read, imagine, dream, plan, and execute, remember: “The problems are in here; the opportunity is out there.”

Read up, monkeys…and wow, 25 times I’ve had that as my signature at the bottom of my Monkey’s Reviews. It’s been a real pleasure sharing my reading with you all; here’s to the next 25!

Monkey’s Review 1: Barbarians At the Gate
Monkey’s Review 2: The Financier
Monkey’s Review 3: Decision Points
Monkey’s Review 4: Debunkery
Monkey’s Review 5: When Genius Failed
Monkey’s Review 6: Monkey Business
Monkey’s Review 7: Death Of The Banker
Monkey’s Review 8: A Journey
Monkey’s Review 9: Damn It Feels Good To Be A Banker
Monkey’s Review 10: The Quants
Monkey’s Review 11: All About Hedge Funds
Monkey’s Review 12: The Unlikely Disciple
Monkey’s Review 13: Adventure Capitalist
Monkey’s Review 14: The Hedge Fund Book
Monkey’s Review 15: Investing In Hedge Fund of Funds
Monkey’s Review 16: Hilarity Ensues
Monkey’s Review 17: The Prince
Monkey’s Review 18: Markets Never Forget (But People Do)
Monkey’s Review 19: The Money Culture
Monkey's Review 20: An Empire of Wealth
Monkey's Review 21: The New Tycoons
Monkey's Review 22: A Bold, Fresh Piece of Humanity
Monkey's Review 23: Ahead of the Curve (2 Years At HBS)
Monkey's Review 24: How To Be A Gentleman