Who are the philosophers most frequently quoted by Charlie Munger, and what insights can we gain from them?

Which Philosophers Does Charlie Munger Quote Most Frequently?

Hey there! As a fan of Munger who’s read many of his speeches and books like Poor Charlie’s Almanack, I can say the old man loves borrowing wisdom from all over—especially classic philosophers. He doesn’t just memorize their ideas; he uses them as tools to make better decisions. Simply put, these are the philosophers he references most often (ranked by frequency):

Benjamin Franklin: Technically not a pure philosopher, but his Poor Richard’s Almanack is packed with practical wisdom that Munger adores. For example, Franklin’s "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" reminds Munger to stay disciplined. He sees Franklin as a master at turning philosophy into action.
Aristotle: The ancient Greek heavyweight. Munger often cites his "Golden Mean" concept—urging balance and avoiding extremes. Munger applies this to investing and life to steer clear of rash decisions.
Confucius: Munger has a soft spot for Eastern philosophy. He frequently mentions Confucius’ "Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire" and lifelong learning ideals. He believes Confucius teaches how to be a trustworthy person, which is crucial for business ethics.

Munger occasionally name-drops others like Montaigne or Schopenhauer, but the three above are his recurring "old friends" in speeches. He doesn’t just study philosophy—he blends it with science, economics, and more to build his "mental models."

What Can We Learn from This?

Munger quotes these thinkers not to show off, but to offer a powerful lesson: Wisdom isn’t isolated; it must be gathered from multiple angles. Personally, I used to make decisions based on gut feelings and kept messing things up. Now, inspired by Munger, I try applying these ideas:

Interdisciplinary Thinking: Avoid focusing on one field alone. For instance, using Aristotle’s balance principle at work prevents burnout by making time for family.
Practical Wisdom: Franklin teaches that small habits yield big results. As Munger says, investment success isn’t about genius—it’s about avoiding stupidity. That’s empowering for ordinary people! Asking "Is this necessary?" before buying something saves money instantly.
Lifelong Learning: Confucius emphasized self-improvement and family harmony. Munger uses this to remind us: Don’t get stuck in comfort zones. Read widely, explore cultures, and see the world clearly to dodge biases.

In short, Munger’s approach shows philosophy isn’t some lofty concept—it’s an everyday toolkit. Next time you face a problem, ask: "What would these old masters do?" You might just have a light bulb moment. If you’re curious, start with Munger’s books—they’re surprisingly accessible!