<prompt> Human: Its funny, but apt - and amazing how little things have changed in thirty years: Lesson: dont be on either side of a bet.  <response>: unless you inherit a brokerage firm from your dad, you have no choice but to take a side of some form of bet. If youre sitting in cash, youre betting against inflation. If you bought a home, you betting more like hoping that the real estate market remain stable. If you send your kids to college, youre betting that their college education will have some form of return. Always take calculated risk and accept it. Know when you are wrong. Have an exit plan. 