I just finished reading "Squares and Sharps, Suckers and Sharks: The Science, Psychology & Philosophy of Gambling" by Joseph Buchdahl, a well-researched book that tackles probabilities, uncertainties, and the world of gambling from all angles. The author is meticulous with his research, and the simple truth he reveals is one that many gamblers, traders, and investors have tried to deny at least once: no one beats the money game.

As I read through the book, I couldn't help but think of Warren Buffett's timeless maxims. For example, the concept of survivorship bias is a big one. As Buffett says, "Time in the market beats timing the market." It's a simple yet profound idea that many money managers seem to forget. They're so focused on managing money that they start to see the market as a poker table, where the goal is to accumulate chips rather than build real wealth.

Buchdahl's approach to gambling is refreshingly different. He reminds us that the odds are always against us, and that even the most skilled players can fall victim to gambler's fallacies. The book is not just about the numbers, but also about the psychology and philosophy behind it. Buchdahl explores the science behind the betting market, and how our brains are wired to respond to uncertainty and risk.

My takeaway from this book was that there's no such thing as a free lunch. If money comes in fast, it's probably going to revert to the mean. And if you want to earn money, there's a simple solution: you got to earn it. It's a message that's both cheerful and sobering, and it's one that I think we can all learn from.