Why does Naval mention "pick long-term people, play long-term games"?

Hey there! Great to chat with you about Naval's insight. The statement “Pick long-term people, and play long-term games” really captures the essence of his philosophy. It might sound abstract, but it’s actually incredibly practical when you break it down.

First, what does it mean to "play long-term games"?

Think of everything in your life—work, investing, learning, or relationships—as a "game." There are two ways to play:

Short-term games: Chasing quick wins. For example, exploiting others in business to make fast money; doing the bare minimum at work or stepping on colleagues to climb the ladder; befriending people solely for their utility. The hallmark? Quick rewards, but unsustainable, and they often damage your reputation.
Long-term games: Pursuing the "compound effect." You’ve likely heard this term in investing, but Naval applies it to life holistically.
- Career: Focus on continuous learning, skill-building, and nurturing your personal brand. Every action is a deposit into your reputation. Like running a restaurant—you pour care into every dish and customer. Short-term, you might earn less than competitors cutting corners, but long-term, loyal patrons multiply, word-of-mouth grows, and your business scales sustainably.
- Relationships: Engage authentically with friends, family, and partners. Prioritize lasting trust over temporary gains. These bonds deepen over time, becoming invaluable assets.
- Knowledge: Commit to lifelong learning, not just cramming for tests. Ideas compound as new knowledge connects with the old, deepening your perspective.

Simply put: Play long-term games by doing things that compound—activities that broaden your path over time. Anything truly worthwhile—wealth, relationships, or wisdom—can’t be rushed.

Second, why "pick long-term people"?

Once you grasp "long-term games," this follows naturally.

Imagine starting a business meant to last a century (a long-term game). What partners would you choose?

You’d avoid someone seeking a "quick payout," right? They might exploit shortcuts for profit today but betray you tomorrow for a bigger gain. That’s a "short-term person."

What defines a "long-term person"?

Integrity: They keep promises and act reliably. You know they won’t trade loyalty for short-term gains.
Fair play: They seek win-win outcomes, not zero-sum games (where their win requires your loss). They root for collective success because it sustains long-term progress.
Patience: They understand that lasting value takes time and resist rushing for short-term wins.

Think of teaming up in an online game to defeat a boss. You’d partner with skilled, trustworthy teammates who share loot—not someone who grabs rewards and disbands.

"Pick long-term people" means investing your time, energy, and trust in those committed to long-term games. Only alongside them can your own long-term endeavors thrive.

To sum up

Naval pairs these ideas because they’re symbiotic:

In one sentence: Cultivate integrity (be a long-term person) to pursue compounding, enduring endeavors (play long-term games).

This is a simple yet powerful survival strategy:

Internally: Strive to be principled and trustworthy—a "long-term person."
Externally: Identify and collaborate with fellow "long-term people" to co-create value.
In execution: Focus relentlessly on compounding, long-term "games."

With this lens, life’s choices sharpen. You’ll naturally sidestep "get-rich-quick" traps and transactional relationships, channeling energy into what truly compounds over time—building a life that deepens in meaning and impact.

Hope this helps!