“The Education of a Speculator” – Victor Niederhoffer

…Scientific Revolution of 1600. Logic, rather than observation and measurement, settled disputes. All matter was thought to be composed of earth, air, water, and fire. In fact, standard European text books of the 18^th century still taught this dogma. Alchemists attempted to change base metals into gold. Astrologers tried to predict human behaviour from the movements of the planets. Many believed, 100 years after the findings of Copernicus, that Earth was the center of the universe.

Artie replied: “Always make friends with the ref; it can’t do you any harm, and it may help in that he won’t go out of his way to hurt you.”

Forget about the frictions, the small wasters of energy that grind you down. Great strokes fell great oaks. Let your opponent worry about grabbing all the edges. Don’t worry about your fills. Whats’s a tick or two going to matter, anyway?