Knowledge grows when we let go

Summary: When Dhirendra Kumar wrote about Knowledge by subtraction, readers didn’t just applaud; it sparked a wave of introspection. Investors opened up about the real challenge: not learning more, but unlearning what doesn’t work. From confessions about ego and jargon to reflections on simplicity, this piece stitches together how our readers are embracing clarity over complexity in their investing journey.

Everyone talks about how to learn more—read another book, watch another video, master another strategy. But when Dhirendra Kumar wrote about Knowledge by subtraction, the responses showed a different reality.

Our readers admitted that the real battle isn’t about adding more tools to the kit. It’s about unlearning what doesn’t work, setting aside the jargon and finding the humility to see investing for what it is: simple, patient, long-term wealth creation.

From heartfelt praise to personal confessions, the replies revealed just how strongly the theme resonated.

Praise for clarity and simplicity

Several readers applauded the sharpness of the piece. “Excellent article! You are a genius who has the knack of picking up the most brilliant ideas and elucidating these in simple and intelligible words,” wrote Rajiv Grover.

Vishal Saluja agreed, adding that in today’s world of information overload, the focus on strong fundamentals feels “so relatable.”

For Deepa Singh, the essay reassured her that sticking with quality businesses for the long term isn’t old-fashioned.

And Melvin appreciated not just the message but the crispness of delivery: “Your newsletters keep the matter on a tight leash, never carrying an extra ounce of words that can lower engagement.”

Behavioural struggles investors admit

Beyond praise, many readers reflected on their own investing psychology.

CA Anil Kumar Maheshwari confessed that despite decades of experience, he finds it “almost impossible to buy a share at more than the price I sold it earlier, even if fundamentals are sound.”

Murali observed that subtraction is difficult because it requires ego management: “Additions don’t need it, but subtraction does.”

Several saw the lesson as a call to resist the lure of jargon and complexity.

“The folly of getting into technical analysis at the cost of studying business prospects is not part of true literacy,” said N Anthri Vedi.

Vivek Banzal was blunter: the heap of jargon blinds investors to the fact that “89 per cent are actually losing money.”

Extending the wisdom beyond markets

Interestingly, some readers connected the column to broader areas of life.

Satish Rao, who works in science education, found the theme echoed in his own field: “It’s wisdom in a very broad sense too.”

Jayaram compared the pursuit of wisdom to understanding dharma: knowledge alone is not enough; experience, patience and observation make the difference.

Others highlighted how the lesson applies to today’s culture of instant gratification.

“More choices create more confusion,” observed Pankaj Kumar Sinha. He argued that subtraction clears the fog, letting investors focus on purpose and risk capacity.

Real dilemmas from the field

Some responses revealed very practical struggles.

Ramaswaminathan Ganesan, who holds a sprawling stock portfolio, described feeling trapped in a Chakravyuh: reluctant to sell for fear of missing multibaggers, yet overwhelmed by not knowing what to liquidate if needed. He saw mutual funds as a way out, aligning with the subtraction principle. At the same time, he wondered aloud if “flipping” IPOs, so common today, resembles F&O trading in its risks.

Meanwhile, Arvind Padmanabhan cautioned against chasing every new technique, including AI-driven investing, when patience and quality still matter most.

Deepa Padmanabhan brought the focus back to basics, calling the piece “an eye opener for the youth” and arguing that saving habits should be taught in schools.

The shared thread

Across these reflections, one message runs clear: unlearning is often harder than learning, yet it’s essential for survival as an investor. As Melvin put it, the best writing delivers concepts that challenge our current beliefs without wasting words. As Murali reminded, subtraction demands humility. And as Jayaram stressed, wisdom is cultivated through decades of practice, not crammed through a weekend webinar.

The subtraction of noise, complexity and ego leaves behind clarity. And as many readers affirmed, clarity is the true foundation of long-term wealth creation.

Credits

Rajiv Grover • Vishal Saluja • CA Anil Kumar Maheshwari • Deepa Singh • Melvin • N Anthri Vedi • Radhakrishnan S • Satish Rao • Jayaram • Ramaswaminathan Ganesan • Murali • Deepa Padmanabhan • Pankaj Kumar Sinha • Kamurudeen Jailabdeen • Akhil Vohra • Kaushalendra Kumar • Navneet Aggarwal • Vivek Banzal • Arvind Padmanabhan

Also read: Spend now, think later?

This article was originally published on September 15, 2025.