The Art of Playing Defense: How to Get Ahead by Not Falling Behind

by Whitney Tilson

To be successful and enjoy a happy life, it’s important to do all the right become well educated and wise, develop a strong work ethic, always act with integrity, and treat others well. But what’s equally important—yet widely overlooked—is avoiding the calamities that cause you to suffer, go back to square one, or worst of all, die a premature death. Famed investor Whitney Tilson has made a living managing risks with investments. Now, he turns his attention to the risks in our everyday lives. The Art of Playing Defense is a practical and actionable guide filled with common sense ideas for avoiding life’s calamities, such as marrying the wrong person or having a good marriage go bad, getting thrown in jail, going bankrupt, or suffering a debilitating illness or injury. With Whitney’s help, you can avoid these disastrous outcomes. It’s no fun thinking about all the things that can go wrong in life, but if you want to get ahead, you have to start by not falling behind.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2021

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written, Whitney’s version of Poor Charlie’s Almanac by Charlie Munger. This book is about living a life with integrity sprinkled with unique tidbits from Whitney’s lens. My favorite chapter was on being kindness. This spoke volumes to me because this is how I know Whitney Tilson, through his kindness. I met him at the 2019 Berkshire shareholder meeting when he through a free after party for anyone who wanted to network. He also writes a free newsletter each day, something in which I cannot wait to read.

[Jrwest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This self help book had a different type of spin on it. It didn't promote what one should do in life to improve oneself. It was about things in life not to do wrong. As a post middle aged man I have been able to figure many of these things out by myself. It was good to hear someone else reiterate them. I would have benefited from reading this book as a young adult but may not have even the insight to read the book. He intersperses advice from Warren Buffet in some parts of the book. Who would have thought that in addition to financial matters Warren had insight into life lessons.

[Selena Maranjian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid book, and a good gift for young people, outlining some of life's dangers to avoid (and how to do so). It's short and easily digested -- and well written and interesting, too, with lots of examples and cautionary tales. For readers looking for life advice and open to it, it may prove extremely helpful. (I would have awarded 3/5 stars if that were possible.)