Nine Lessons That Changed My Thinking – Thanks to Charlie Munger (via Alex Hormozi)
By Dave Evans MSc, MBA, FIEMA, FRGS, Founder of Act Sustainably, environmental management and sustainability practitioner and animal welfare advocate.
Nine Lessons That Changed My Thinking – Thanks to Charlie Munger (via Alex Hormozi)
Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve drawn insight from the giants who came before us. Few have left a bigger intellectual legacy than Charlie Munger, the late Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and lifelong business partner to Warren Buffett. But it wasn’t just Munger’s net worth or deal-making skill that impressed me—it was the clarity of his thinking and his humility.
That clarity, distilled and shared by Alex Hormozi in a powerful video titled “Charlie Munger Changed My Life”, left me with nine actionable lessons that are reshaping how I think, lead, and live.
At Act Sustainably, we believe in the power of simple principles to drive big impact. That’s why our mantra is:
Work Hard, Help People, Save Animals™
It’s not just a tagline—it’s a compass for decision-making. And many of Charlie Munger’s life lessons align perfectly not only with our ethos, but also with Apple’s legendary design principles—prioritising clarity, simplicity, focus, and care for the end user.
It’s no coincidence that Apple is now Berkshire Hathaway’s single largest investment, accounting for nearly half the value of its entire portfolio. Why? Because Apple embodies the very principles Munger preached: durability, simplicity, brand strength, pricing power, and loyal customers.
Nine Lessons + Apple’s Design Philosophy
1. Invert Your Thinking
Instead of asking what will make this succeed, ask what could cause this to fail—and avoid those things.
Apple’s Principle: "We start by imagining what the best version of something might be... and then we remove everything that isn't essential."
Both approaches ask: what doesn’t belong?
2. Avoid the “Three Ls”
Liquor, Leverage, and (distracting) Love interests—Munger’s timeless warning.
Apple’s Principle: "We believe in deep collaboration and cross-pollination of our groups, which allow us to innovate in ways others cannot."
To collaborate well, you need focus and clarity—two things easily lost through distraction or instability.
3. Embrace Simplicity
If it’s too complicated to explain, it’s too complicated to succeed.
Apple’s Principle: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
Apple and Munger both understand that complexity is the enemy of execution—and impact.
4. Know What Makes a Great Business
High margins, recurring revenue, brand power, low overheads, and strong leadership.
Apple’s Principle: "We say no to a thousand things to make something truly great."
Excellence in business and design comes from focus, not from trying to be everything to everyone.
5. Don’t Chase the Last Dollar
Sometimes the best deals are the ones that leave a little on the table. Long-term relationships, trust, and integrity are worth more than maximising every transaction.
This also helps avoid fixed pie bias—the flawed assumption that value is finite and must be extracted rather than created. Munger understood that sustainable success often comes from growing the pie, not fighting over slices.
Apple’s Principle: "We believe that we’re on the face of the Earth to make great products."
6. Build a Brand Moat
A trusted brand defends itself.
Apple’s Principle: "People do judge a book by its cover. We may have the best product, but if the presentation is poor, they’ll never know."
Brand is more than marketing—it’s a lived experience that builds trust.
7. Live Below Your Means
Spend less than you earn. Buy freedom, not flash.
Apple’s Principle (Implied): Design with restraint. Build with purpose.
Minimalism isn’t a lack—it’s a discipline.
8. Learn from Other People’s Mistakes
Shortcut wisdom by studying failure.
Apple’s Principle: "We are constantly focusing on innovating. We believe in saying no to thousands of projects so that we can really focus on the few that are truly important and meaningful to us."
Mistakes come from distraction. Wisdom comes from prioritisation.
9. Know When Enough Is Enough
Munger lived simply. His goal wasn’t wealth—it was independence.
Apple’s Principle (Culture): Pursue significance, not just scale.
At Act Sustainably, “enough” means doing purposeful work, helping others move forward, and protecting what can’t protect itself.
What This Means for Me
These aren’t just financial insights—they’re operating systems for life. They reinforce what we already believe at Act Sustainably:
Work Hard, Help People, Save Animals™
...but do it wisely, simply, and with your eyes wide open.
Thanks Charlie. And thank you Alex, for helping more of us hear him clearly.
Watch Alex’s original video:
Which of Munger’s lessons resonates most with you? Or which of Apple’s design ideas could improve how you work?
Let’s share and learn.