Ben's Mr. Market allegory may seem out-of-date in today's investment world, in which most professionals and academicians talk of efficient markets, dynamic hedging and betas. Their interest in such matters is understandable, since techniques shrouded in mystery clearly have value to the purveyor of investment advice. After all, what witch doctor has ever achieved fame and fortune by simply advising 'Take two aspirins'?

It's easier to create money than to spend it.

In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield.

Invest in as much of yourself as you can, you are your own biggest asset by far.

We like to buy businesses, but we don't like to sell them.

Read Ben Graham and Phil Fisher read annual reports, but don't do equations with Greek letters in them.

Accounting is the language of business.