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Principles

Life and Work

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Principles

By: Ray Dalio
Narrated by: Ray Dalio, Jeremy Bobb
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About this listen

An Avid Reader Press book. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

In 1975, Ray Dalio founded an investment firm, Bridgewater Associates, out of his two-bedroom apartment in New York City. Forty years later, Bridgewater has made more money for its clients than any other hedge fund in history and grown into the fifth most important private company in the United States, according to Fortune magazine. Dalio himself has been named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Along the way, Dalio discovered a set of unique principles that have led to Bridgewater’s exceptionally effective culture, which he describes as “an idea meritocracy that strives to achieve meaningful work and meaningful relationships through radical transparency.” It is these principles, and not anything special about Dalio—who grew up an ordinary kid in a middle-class Long Island neighborhood—that he believes are the reason behind his success.

In Principles, Dalio shares what he’s learned over the course of his remarkable career. He argues that life, management, economics, and investing can all be systemized into rules and understood like machines. The book’s hundreds of practical lessons, which are built around his cornerstones of “radical truth” and “radical transparency,” include Dalio laying out the most effective ways for individuals and organizations to make decisions, approach challenges, and build strong teams. He also describes the innovative tools the firm uses to bring an idea meritocracy to life, such as creating “baseball cards” for all employees that distill their strengths and weaknesses, and employing computerized decision-making systems to make believability-weighted decisions. While the book brims with novel ideas for organizations and institutions, Principles also offers a clear, straightforward approach to decision-making that Dalio believes anyone can apply, no matter what they’re seeking to achieve.

Here, from a man who has been called both “the Steve Jobs of investing” and “the philosopher king of the financial universe” (CIO magazine), is a rare opportunity to gain proven advice unlike anything you’ll find in the conventional business press.
Career Success Decision-Making & Problem Solving Investing & Trading Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance Investing Career Business Inspiring Management Success Stock Thought-Provoking Money New York Sports Employment Construction Business Product Strategy

Critic Reviews

“Ray Dalio has provided me with invaluable guidance and insights that are now available to you in Principles.”
—Bill Gates
“I absolutely loved this book. It’s beautifully written and filled with such wisdom.”
—Arianna Huffington
“I found it to be truly extraordinary. Every page is full of so many principles of distinction and insights—and I love how Ray incorporates his history and his life in such an elegant way.”
—Tony Robbins
“Ray Dalio’s market acumen is legendary, but it was creating and living by a set of principles that allowed him to reach the top. Everyone with goals and dreams can learn from Ray’s approach.”
—Michael Bloomberg
“It’s important and instructive to share what you’ve learned in life with others, and Ray does this in an interesting and provocative way in this compelling work.”
—Jamie Dimon
“Among a handful of philosopher-investors known not only for moneymaking prowess but also for their distinctive take on life.”
The Wall Street Journal
“What makes Dalio compelling is not just his track record but the way he goes about making money, and the rigorous analysis he applies to understanding markets, organizations, the economy, and life.”
Fortune
All stars
Most relevant
This book was awesome. Great to hear and listen to someone that has had great financial success talk about principles. I would love to be in Ray Dalio inner circle. So much wisdom and knowledge that you can learn from. I'm developing my own principles now while also noting down Rays. Awesome book and many thanks for writing this gem.

AMAZING BOOK

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Learn how to think systematically. A must for anyone pursing excellence in business or life.

A +

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I intend to incorporate many ideas from the book and start using them within our company

Best self help I have come across

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What a great overview for organizing and running an organization, whilst maintaining the vision and corporate governance of an idea meritocracy. This book gets right down to the nuts and bolts, providing a cook-book approach to a system of management that has taken decades to develop at Bridgewater.
Thankyou so much to Ray Dalio.

Great overview for organizing and running an organization based on an idea meritocracy.

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I love the sound principles I learnt a lot from this book about running a successful organisation... there were portions of the book where they talked about investments and that turned me off but the rest of it he book just made me want for more and the inserts are great!!!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom Ray!
Much appreciated 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👌🏿

Awesome Listen!!! Great content!!!

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A very solid look at the way Bridgwater was constructed and how Ray manages his team and organisation. His view is refreshing and easily digested.

Not about finance

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substance rich and actionable!
no fluff, gives away alot of value, content rich. read it!

EVERYONE should read this - top 5 books I've read.

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Amazing listen I got a lot out of it and would definitely recommend to others

Amazing listen! Really powerful insights

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Good book but yeah, mostly a guide to running a cohesive business. Keen to hear the next one

how to run a business

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So easy and logic to understand. Ray is a legend. Thanks for this. Cheers from Sydney, Aus

Life Changing

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