Dow Theory Today by Richard Russell (1981, Paperback, Reprint)

I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a fundamental common sense approach to investing, and protecting your financial future read "the Dow Theory today" by Richard Russell. Published by Fraser Publishing Company. The book consists of 12 articles Mr. Russell wrote from December 1958, through December, 1960. Mr. Russell invokes a humble and concise characterization of the Stock Market and the forces behind it. He quotes the writings of three men, Charles H. Dow, William P. Hamilton, and Robert Rhea.

The book is not only an explanation of a theory that delves into the historical significance of stock movement. But into human nature and the natural economic forces that must and will take place regardless of what the so called experts want us to believe. There is a natural phenomenon that exists with human nature. The herd mentality. We all want to follow what the rest of the herd does. Even if it leads us down a cliff to our destruction.

The book illustrates and reminds us that we are all very capable of making wise decision's if we choose to think with our good sense and not our emotional reaction's. I am a family man with a wife and three young children. I have taken it upon myself to learn as much as possible about the investment market place. It has lead me to Gold, Silver, and commodities. The handwriting is on the wall. We are a nation neck deep in debt from our government to it's citizenry. We have a pathetically weak currency, Global unrest growing at a frenzied pace, and corrupt self serving leadership.

We had a depression in 1930 that no one seemed to see coming. All great empire's have ultimately collapsed. We are headed down a path that history shows clearly leads to ruinous consiquences. This book not only serves to give us insight into the financial marketplace, but into human nature as well. It describes very reasonably how we have to open our eyes and see with our God given common sense, instead of our lustful desire's.

We all buy stocks. Why? Because we believe they will always go up. Flawed thinking, hopeful thinking, not sensible thinking. We are wise to diversify. Invest in value such as precious metals, and need items such as food, oil, energy, metals etc. This book has great depth and is explained in a rational common sense way that is easily understood. It is also an interesting book because you will react to it in one of two ways. You will brush it off as a fringe view point, or see beyond the primary purpose of the book and think more deeply about your own way of investing, and thinking in general.

Regardless, the book is very telling, and thought provoking. I highly recommend it as an alternative view to the tripe we get over and over from the talking heads on Radio and Television who claim to be informed experts. We need to get off the bandwagon before it collapses from the weight. Patience, reason and a desire to make our own informed decision's, and be responsible for them. That and the will to break from the pack, and lead it.