Attack the Week (ATW)

November 24, 2024

Sunday Thoughts

I recently turned 50. Yes, that’s a big number. Upon reflection, it is the optimal time to look back with pride and plan for the next few decades ahead. I didn’t get sentimental or regretful in any way but was just astonished at how quickly time has passed since my 40th birthday. What is time, and why do some people perceive it as being fast or slow? My theory was always that time scales with new experiences and learnings one makes. That’s why your 20s are slower than your 40s, where it’s harder to experience or learn new things. I thought I had a genius finding, only to be told by a friend that Bergson’s duration thesis had already covered it.

Henri Bergson's concept of duration reimagines time not as a measurable sequence of moments but as a continuous, fluid experience. In his philosophy, duration is the essence of lived time, distinct from the scientific or mechanical time that we measure with clocks. Unlike clock time, which divides time into equal and discrete units, duration is qualitative and indivisible. It flows like a melody, where each note is inseparable from the others, forming an organic whole. Bergson argues that the segmentation of time into measurable intervals is an abstraction —a useful tool for science and practicality but far removed from how humans actually experience life.

In duration, the past, present, and future interpenetrate, creating a unified flow where no moment exists in isolation. Our consciousness moves through time in a way that brings the past into the present, blending memories and anticipation into the unfolding moment. For example, while listening to a piece of music, the earlier notes are not forgotten but persist in the present, shaping the listener's experience of the melody. This interconnectedness contrasts sharply with the rigid structure of scientific time, which treats moments as distinct and separate. Bergson believed that reducing time to such a framework strips it of its richness and vitality, leaving behind only an artificial representation of lived reality.

Anyway, as part of entering a new decade of my life, I also decided to get a proper medical screening. The blood tests didn’t show any abnormal indications apart from high cholesterol readings. Yes, I like my meat and wine. I guess I will have to adjust a little. Similarly, the detailed body scan revealed a very decent muscular mass. This, however, is paired with just too much fat. So, some changes are coming. If any of you have any good tips and experiences, leave them in the comments below.

I also asked a few family members and friends who are in their 60s and older what their biggest tips are for entering the 50s. Many mentioned the obvious things like health, family, and creating new experiences. From a professional perspective, however, I was surprised to learn new things. A few have regretted or seen others regret stepping off the gas in their fifties. This kind of makes sense. As you enter your 50s, you probably have 20-30 years of work experience, which should have amassed a great knowledge bank. Similarly, most would have already worked in several organizations and hence know a good deal about how to deal with people, bullshit, and things they can not control. In other words, you probably have the most value at that age, so why would you step off the gas? This is not the time to chill but go full steam ahead. So, this is what I’m going to aspire to in the next 10 years and beyond. This also applies to the community we have created here. There is much more to come. If you are curious, I have now opened up a 7-day free trial for anyone interested.

Let’s now read Macro D’s latest thoughts before we analyze the upcoming weekly calendar. We then check out the 10 most important charts for the coming trading sessions and finish with the asset allocation model and its latest output.

Let’s go!