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The Ecstatic Stock Market
What if the stock market differs from its appearance, and the frame in our business books, newspapers and TV shows has it backward? What if we attempt to predict the stock market, when the market predicts us? What if bubbles, mania's and crashes aren't irrational behavior, but live in the fabric of building systems?
Buckle up as we enter the age of increasing bubbles. For the first time in history, we have the science, computer power and data to approach the stock market from an original perspective. And the stock market holds an amazing missive.
In an enjoyable fashion, "The Ecstatic Stock Market" provides new meaning for our investment portfolios, careers, and everyday lives.
If you're investing or trading in stocks, ETF's, Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency or commodities, this book is a must read.
Buckle up as we enter the age of increasing bubbles. For the first time in history, we have the science, computer power and data to approach the stock market from an original perspective. And the stock market holds an amazing missive.
In an enjoyable fashion, "The Ecstatic Stock Market" provides new meaning for our investment portfolios, careers, and everyday lives.
If you're investing or trading in stocks, ETF's, Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency or commodities, this book is a must read.
204 pages, Hardcover
Published June 16, 2021
20 people are currently reading
1046 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 25, 2021
A superb book, but not what I was expecting. Rather than being (just) another get-rich-quick book for retail investors, it is instead a popular science book that argues for stock markets not only mirroring human society; not only for them predicting human society; but, also for them being shaped by the same universal laws, constants and (unknown) attractors that appear to shape everything else in our universe from the micro sub-atomic level to the macro cosmological level. In doing so, Rasmussen cites writers, artists, philosophers and scientists from Schopenhauer to Shakespeare, from von Neumann to Tom Petty, from Mandelbrot to Feigenbaum and many more. The way the author links and builds upon the ideas of almost 100 other people is one of the most fascinating and inspiring aspects of this book. The last time I felt so enthused to read everyone cited in a book was when I read the philosopher Colin Wilson’s magnum opus ‘The Outsider’. Sadly, my copy of The Ecstatic Stock Market lacks proper references, footnotes and a bibliography (for which I knocked off a star). Hopefully this will be fixed in future editions.
Rasmussen provides evidence that all markets regardless of what is being bought and sold (eg physical commodities, equities, derivatives etc), and regardless of how long they have existed (from hundreds of years to 50 years to the markets of a few seconds created by 21st century computerised trading) demonstrate identical price trend lines - just over different time scales. You just need to adjust the scale on the time-axis of the chart to get the fit. Furthermore, segments of these trend lines will always be the same shape as the whole, no matter how small the segment. This replication at all scales is typical of fractals - a fact that plays a large role in the book.
Once we know the ‘what’ of the book, we are left with the ‘why?’, and then the ‘so what?’. It is here that the author really lets loose with his broad knowledge of related theories from multiple disciplines, while still writing in plain English.
Before you worry that the book may become too high falutin’, let me say that the explanation of why economic booms and busts happen is one of the easiest to understand that I have ever read. If you like your popular science to be thought provoking as well as educational, then this book is highly recommended. If instead you want to make money on financial or commodity markets and you are prepared to fully agree ingest the facts presented in the book (many investors flit from one method to another, and as a result get nowhere) then this book is also for you. I am in the former camp, and I am very happy I found the book (or did it find me...?!).
Rasmussen provides evidence that all markets regardless of what is being bought and sold (eg physical commodities, equities, derivatives etc), and regardless of how long they have existed (from hundreds of years to 50 years to the markets of a few seconds created by 21st century computerised trading) demonstrate identical price trend lines - just over different time scales. You just need to adjust the scale on the time-axis of the chart to get the fit. Furthermore, segments of these trend lines will always be the same shape as the whole, no matter how small the segment. This replication at all scales is typical of fractals - a fact that plays a large role in the book.
Once we know the ‘what’ of the book, we are left with the ‘why?’, and then the ‘so what?’. It is here that the author really lets loose with his broad knowledge of related theories from multiple disciplines, while still writing in plain English.
Before you worry that the book may become too high falutin’, let me say that the explanation of why economic booms and busts happen is one of the easiest to understand that I have ever read. If you like your popular science to be thought provoking as well as educational, then this book is highly recommended. If instead you want to make money on financial or commodity markets and you are prepared to fully agree ingest the facts presented in the book (many investors flit from one method to another, and as a result get nowhere) then this book is also for you. I am in the former camp, and I am very happy I found the book (or did it find me...?!).
August 9, 2021
I can say this book gives readers and investors a fresh and new perception of the stock market. I was pleasantly surprised by the content, as it shows our economy from a different perspective, not found in any other investing books, an unusual narrative. Readers might agree or come to disagree about the author's theories but for sure it gives you something to think of. We are changing at a pace never seen before and this has a natural impact on the investments world.
June 30, 2023
thought-provoking journey
The Ecstatic Stock Market, apparently a sequel to the renowned book and movie "A Beautiful Mind," delves deeper into the enigmatic world of Dr. John Forbes Nash, Jr. In the original work, Nash's mind intertwined genuine patterns with his own schizophrenic projections, resulting in a world of pure imagination.
This new installment takes the concept even further. Author David Rasmussen eloquently articulates the interplay of yin and yang, the delicate balance between skill and luck. He deftly weaves these opposing forces, acknowledging the chaotic nature of life's uncertainties. Rasmussen’s words resonate powerfully when he states, "The predictive correlations laid out in this book are potent enough that, in theory, I could eventually own everything if no one else possessed them. Yet, here I am, offering these invaluable tools for the mere price of a book."
Intrigued by the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I embarked on this literary journey. However, much to my surprise, The Ecstatic Stock Market had little association with the stock market or investing. As a reader who typically seeks out financial insights, I found this deviation disconcerting. Nonetheless, it appears that many readers found value in Rasmussen's unique perspective and philosophical musings.
While the book's title may mislead readers into anticipating a deep dive into investment strategies, it instead offers a profound exploration of the human psyche, the delicate dance between order and chaos, and the elusive nature of fortune. Rasmussen's prose is captivating, and his ability to intertwine complex concepts with relatable anecdotes is commendable.
The Ecstatic Stock Market may not fulfill the expectations of those seeking a traditional guide to investing, it presents a thought-provoking journey into the realms of chance, perception, and the human experience. It is a book that challenges conventional thinking and encourages reflection, making it a worthwhile read for those open to exploring the intersections of psychology, philosophy, and finance.
The Ecstatic Stock Market, apparently a sequel to the renowned book and movie "A Beautiful Mind," delves deeper into the enigmatic world of Dr. John Forbes Nash, Jr. In the original work, Nash's mind intertwined genuine patterns with his own schizophrenic projections, resulting in a world of pure imagination.
This new installment takes the concept even further. Author David Rasmussen eloquently articulates the interplay of yin and yang, the delicate balance between skill and luck. He deftly weaves these opposing forces, acknowledging the chaotic nature of life's uncertainties. Rasmussen’s words resonate powerfully when he states, "The predictive correlations laid out in this book are potent enough that, in theory, I could eventually own everything if no one else possessed them. Yet, here I am, offering these invaluable tools for the mere price of a book."
Intrigued by the overwhelmingly positive reviews, I embarked on this literary journey. However, much to my surprise, The Ecstatic Stock Market had little association with the stock market or investing. As a reader who typically seeks out financial insights, I found this deviation disconcerting. Nonetheless, it appears that many readers found value in Rasmussen's unique perspective and philosophical musings.
While the book's title may mislead readers into anticipating a deep dive into investment strategies, it instead offers a profound exploration of the human psyche, the delicate dance between order and chaos, and the elusive nature of fortune. Rasmussen's prose is captivating, and his ability to intertwine complex concepts with relatable anecdotes is commendable.
The Ecstatic Stock Market may not fulfill the expectations of those seeking a traditional guide to investing, it presents a thought-provoking journey into the realms of chance, perception, and the human experience. It is a book that challenges conventional thinking and encourages reflection, making it a worthwhile read for those open to exploring the intersections of psychology, philosophy, and finance.
September 7, 2021
Everyone wants to understand why the present-day stock market acts the way it does, The author uses his many years of investing experience, and his study of subjects like game theory, physics and chaos theory, to attempts an explanation.
Throughout history, there have been many financial bubbles, going back to the Tulip Bubble of the 1600's. Over time, the life of these bubbles has gotten shorter and shorter. The author asserts that we are currently in the biggest bubble of our lifetime. The 2007 Real Estate Bubble and the current Bitcoin Bubble are part of a much bigger bubble. No bubble lasts forever. When will this bubble pop? Read the book.
This is a very specialized book; it is not a Beginner's book. It is different in that it explores fractals, evolution, and the writings of Terence McKenna, Ray Kurzweil and James Joyce. For experienced investors who want an idea as to what is coming, here is a very good place to start.
Throughout history, there have been many financial bubbles, going back to the Tulip Bubble of the 1600's. Over time, the life of these bubbles has gotten shorter and shorter. The author asserts that we are currently in the biggest bubble of our lifetime. The 2007 Real Estate Bubble and the current Bitcoin Bubble are part of a much bigger bubble. No bubble lasts forever. When will this bubble pop? Read the book.
This is a very specialized book; it is not a Beginner's book. It is different in that it explores fractals, evolution, and the writings of Terence McKenna, Ray Kurzweil and James Joyce. For experienced investors who want an idea as to what is coming, here is a very good place to start.
October 6, 2022
Immense attention to detail
Fantastic take on the historical data in stocks over the last 50 years and an exceptionally detailed forecast of what may come. Author has implemented useful graphs which add emphasis in making his point. Things like the 80/20 rule I found enlightening that 80% of the climate is impacted due to 20% cause, backed by quantitative data and explained simply. My only criticism is the chapter naming, they are all numbered and not giving an overview of the content.
Fantastic take on the historical data in stocks over the last 50 years and an exceptionally detailed forecast of what may come. Author has implemented useful graphs which add emphasis in making his point. Things like the 80/20 rule I found enlightening that 80% of the climate is impacted due to 20% cause, backed by quantitative data and explained simply. My only criticism is the chapter naming, they are all numbered and not giving an overview of the content.
February 28, 2023
More than money
David Rasmussen has written a book that delivers so much more than expected. Part philosophy, mathematics, poetry and projection, it is a compendium of materials, painstakingly designed to capture our imaginations on what the future holds. A book I will return to again and again.
David Rasmussen has written a book that delivers so much more than expected. Part philosophy, mathematics, poetry and projection, it is a compendium of materials, painstakingly designed to capture our imaginations on what the future holds. A book I will return to again and again.
February 5, 2022
Uma abordagem completamente diferente para entender (prever) as oscilações do mercado financeiro.
Agora, afirmações extraordinárias (como presentes no livro) requerem evidências extraordinárias. No aguardo dos próximos textos do autor.
Agora, afirmações extraordinárias (como presentes no livro) requerem evidências extraordinárias. No aguardo dos próximos textos do autor.
January 6, 2023
A future guide to how to view the stock market.
The concept of his theory is a little above my studying. He does show events repeat themselves. So for the stock market hasn't been figured out. This does show a way of possibilities.
The concept of his theory is a little above my studying. He does show events repeat themselves. So for the stock market hasn't been figured out. This does show a way of possibilities.
Read
January 28, 2023Good concept
The author compares the performance of the stock market to humanity's future. When the stock market crashes the society is affected. But what if there is a permanent crash? The world would really go downhill. Good information.
The author compares the performance of the stock market to humanity's future. When the stock market crashes the society is affected. But what if there is a permanent crash? The world would really go downhill. Good information.
August 16, 2021
Absolutely fascinating
This is a dense read and ill have to read it again to fully grasp the material. David applies reoccurring patterns in nature to the stock market and our economy and life in general. His discoveries are backed up by sound mathematical concepts. I found it extremely interesting and useful. Thank you 👍
This is a dense read and ill have to read it again to fully grasp the material. David applies reoccurring patterns in nature to the stock market and our economy and life in general. His discoveries are backed up by sound mathematical concepts. I found it extremely interesting and useful. Thank you 👍
August 16, 2021
Fascinating!
I found this book to be very intriguing. I don’t know much about math, and chaos theory was only something I heard of from Jurassic Park. The author brings his theories to life with examples. He definitely made the topic of investing very interesting.
I found this book to be very intriguing. I don’t know much about math, and chaos theory was only something I heard of from Jurassic Park. The author brings his theories to life with examples. He definitely made the topic of investing very interesting.
July 29, 2021
The Guru Delivers!
It really does have a musical feel to his writing. It is optimistic yet measured, and does not get into salesman kool aid territory. This is a very excellent read.
It really does have a musical feel to his writing. It is optimistic yet measured, and does not get into salesman kool aid territory. This is a very excellent read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews