- Basic sciences (Geology - chemistry - physics - geography)
- Specialisations in geology - Mineral economics, Economic Geology, Ore Deposit geology, Lithospheric Environments
- Mining engineering in order to understand the methods and costs of mining. This required also knowledge of rock mechanics, the behaviour of gases (i.e. ventilation, explosive gases).
- Mineral processing in order to know the methods and costs of mineral processing. There are however other related subjects like transport logistics, shipping and marketing.
- Economics - Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, the nature & history of precious metals, gold as money, the politics of gold
- Finance - Understanding global debt & equity markets, and their impact on commodity prices.
- Trading - This of course builds on investment-related subjects, but also psychology.
- Philosophy - This is a huge subject inviting studies in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and politics. Starting with classical economics, I was drawn into minarchy (libertarian) philosophy, before seizing upon anarchocapitalism.
- Psychology was a natural progression from studying philosophy, but there was much interest in the subject in the 1990s whilst I was engrossed in 'self-improvement' gurus like Dr Phil and Oprah.
- History has long punctuated my interest from a variety of callings, whether it was 'country research' for previous employers, studying the history of money, recessions, certain schools of economics, the history of art for Korea, the history of love, and the history of law.
- Law arose as an interesting issue through the study of law. From Justinian law, I became interested in common law, and more broadly natural law, constitutionalism, the notion of rights and related issues.
Very little of this would have been possible if I was confined to a standard 9-to-5 job. My first serious job as a mining analyst involved a lot of research, which provided access to a lot of publications like The Economist, but also the requisite studies of other nations to prepare country profiles. Being a mining stocks investor required learning about the economies of the host countries for the resource companies.
A strong command of philosophy keeps me grounded and objective. I draw pride from problem solving, system building and coming up with integrated solutions. Moreover, I enjoy the grind of:
- Seizing lucrative opportunities where no one else is. Aquarius Platinum options was a case in point, with a 3200% return over 3 years. Missed opportunities as well, like Minotaur Resources options (6800% in 6 months) and Paladin Resources.
- Differentiating myself from others in ways that are ultimately a source of self-respect and stimulation, for oneself and others.
I am simply living a life like a few others. There is of course a small percent living a life like mine, whether it is being libertarian' (3%), living abroad (2%), living as a trader (1%). I am living the life of the most exotic of minorities - an individual. I hardly relate to anyone, and I love it.
My pursuits speak to a greater advocacy (Critical Media Group): I attempt to disrupt uninspired political and societal values by engaging minds and challenging convention at every opportunity.
My pursuits speak to a greater advocacy (Critical Media Group): I attempt to disrupt uninspired political and societal values by engaging minds and challenging convention at every opportunity.
