Does Charlie Munger advocate for 'following your passion'? If so, under what conditions?

Okay, let's talk about Charlie Munger's view on "following your passion." This is indeed a dilemma many people face when making career choices.

Charlie Munger Does Not Advocate "Following Your Passion"; He Even Thinks It's a Terrible Idea

The simple, direct answer is: No, he not only doesn't advocate it, he explicitly states that "Follow your passion" is very bad advice.

This might sound counterintuitive, as we've all grown up hearing things like "Interest is the best teacher" and "Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life." But Munger's logic is very realistic and more down-to-earth.

He believes that most people's "passion" isn't actually reliable. For example, many people love playing basketball, but how many can make it to the NBA? Many people love food, but not everyone is suited to be a chef or open a restaurant. If you blindly follow this kind of "passion," you're likely to enter a field you're not good at and can't make a living from, ending up disappointed and poor.

So What Does Munger Advocate? — "Follow Your Aptitude"

Munger's alternative is: Follow your aptitude.

You can understand his core idea like this: First, find something you do better than others, then master it. Passion will naturally follow.

This leads to your second question: What prerequisites does he propose? Actually, these "prerequisites" are more like the key factors he suggests you must consider when planning your career path.

Munger's "Four Elements" of Career Advice

Munger believes an ideal career or profession should be built on the following foundations:

1. Find a Field Where You Are Naturally Skilled (or at Least Not Bad)

This is the most crucial first step. You must have a clear understanding of yourself and know where your "circle of competence" lies. Are you particularly good with numbers? Is your logical reasoning strong? Or are you especially good at dealing with people?

Key point: Don't do things you are naturally bad at. For example, if you're tone-deaf, don't try to "follow your passion" by becoming a singer. You should strive in a field where you have some natural aptitude, so your efforts are more likely to yield results.

2. The Field Must Have a Market; Someone Must Be Willing to Pay for It

Talent alone isn't enough; your talent must be able to create value in the world. Simply put, someone must be willing to pay for your skills or services.

Key point: Munger is very pragmatic. He believes a profession that doesn't allow you to live a decent life is not a good profession. So, when choosing a field, look at the demand for the skill and its prospects. A highly talented abacus master might struggle to find work today.

3. You Must Have at Least Some Interest in It to Keep You Engaged

Note, this refers to "interest," not "passion." There's a difference.

Passion: A strong, intense emotion, but it can be fleeting or unrealistic.
Interest: A motivation that makes you willing to spend time learning and delving deeper. You might not be "crazy" about it, but you at least don't dislike it, and you find enjoyment in learning and making progress.
Key point: The field you choose cannot be something you detest. You need sufficient intrinsic motivation to invest the significant time and effort required to become an expert. If you have zero interest, the process will be painful, and it will be hard to persevere.

4. In This Field, You Can Work Alongside Honest, Excellent People

Munger repeatedly emphasizes the importance of working with people "you admire" because your environment and the people around you influence you subtly.

Key point: Avoid industries or companies full of lies, deceit, and infighting. Work alongside people who are better and have higher integrity than you. You can not only learn knowledge from them but also their ways of thinking and philosophies of life, which will benefit you for life.

Summarizing Munger's Logic: Ability → Success → Passion

So, Munger's career roadmap looks like this:

First, find something you are good at (Ability).
Ensure this thing has market demand and you have a basic interest in it.
Then work relentlessly to master it, becoming an expert (Success).
When you consistently achieve success, recognition, and rewards because you are skilled, you will naturally develop a deep love for what you do (Passion).

This kind of "passion" is built on ability and a sense of accomplishment. It is far more solid and enduring than the vague "passion" people start with. So, the next time someone tells you to "follow your passion," think about Munger's advice: Better to follow your aptitude first.