Joshua Kennon is a Managing Director of Kennon-Green & Co., a private asset management firm specializing in global value investing for affluent and high net worth individuals, families, and institutions. Nothing in this article or on this site, which is Mr. Kennon's personal blog, is intended to be, nor should it be construed as, investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell a security or securities. Investing can result in losses, sometimes significant losses. Prior to taking any action involving your finances or portfolio, you should consult with your own qualified professional advisor(s), such as an investment advisor, tax specialist, and/or attorney, who can help you consider your unique needs, circumstances, risk tolerance, and other relevant factors.

Mental Model by Joshua Kennon

Mental Model: Addition Through Subtraction

Mental Model: Addition Through Subtraction Sometimes, in order to make something better, or work more effectively, you must take something away.  This principle is called addition through subtraction.  The theory behind addition through subtraction is that reducing components and complexity can add value if you make something: Simpler Faster More reliable More profitable Less expensive…

The Dinner of Philosophers, or La Sainte Cène du Patriarche, by Jean Huber circa 1772

Not All Cultures Are Equal, Not All Cultural Diversity Is Good

Steven Pinker makes a number of lucid, persuasive arguments about culture and its role in human development in his masterpiece The Blank Slate.  He posits: The phenomena we call “culture” arises as people pool and accumulate their discoveries, and as they institute conventions to coordinate their labors and adjudicate their conflicts.  When groups of people separated by…

Azrah Gestahl Joshua Kennon's Pure Skyrim Mage in Lord Ganon Enchanted Armor and Weapons

My Pure Mage Strategy Worked: Level 100 Conjuration, Level 100 Destruction, and Level 100 Enchantment

I have done it!  My champion in Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, Azrah Gestahl, has reached Level 100 Conjuration, Level 100 Destruction, and Level 100 Enchantment.  My overall Level is 47, so I’m about to hit the soft cap of 51 that the gaming forums say is in place. I’m in the process of creating a set of ultimate weapons and armor, upgrading my old “Ganon’s” series to a new, “Lord Ganon’s” series en homage to the legendary villain of The Legend of Zelda series.  This allowed me to create a situation that got the mathematical cost of all destruction spells, regardless of their power, to zero.  Infinite power.  Unlimited magic.