From Charles Lindbergh To Lee Kuan Yew: A Look At Ramesh Damani’s Reading List

Is Singapore’s economic model the blueprint for Modi 2.0? What can you learn about contrarian investing from an American aviator? What does a ‘market guy’ get when he mixes finance with flour—a lesson in handling stress, with a side of souffle. These are some of the themes in books discussed by veteran investor and member of BSE Ltd. Ramesh Damani.

One of his favourite reads is Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit And Wisdom Of Charles T Munger. “You could get a Harvard MBA or read this book,” Damani said as he shared his reading list with BloombergQuint.

The Spirit Of Saint Louis, By Charles Lindbergh

This is an autobiography of the first man who flew solo across the Atlantic — from New York to Paris in 33 and a half hours. “His improbable achievement filled me with awe and wonder, and taught me the importance of excelling,” Damani said.

“About investing, many years later, the book taught me about the impact of disruptive technology and the importance of contrarian investing,” he said.

From Third World To First, By Lee Kuan Yew

Here’s what Singapore did right and India did wrong! India and Singapore had the same economic and social conditions at the time of Independence. But the decisions of the political leaders changed the course of these two nations, according to Damani. “Is Singapore’s model the blueprint for Modi 2.0? Time will tell, but the book provides great insight into successful macro investing, too.”

Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit And Wisdom Of Charles T Munger, By Charles T Munger, Peter D. Kaufman (Editor)

‘Buffett’s sidekick,’ Berkshire vice president, octogenarian. “You could get a Harvard MBA or read this book. The book would be infinitely cheaper but more insightful than any degree. Its pages are filled with the unadorned wit and wisdom of an investing legend, who shines, even while sitting in the shadow of Warren Buffett,” Damani said.

Vegetarian Cooking For Everyone, By Deborah Madison

“What does a ‘market guy’ get when he mixes finance with flour? He finds a way to keep playing with the “dough”! Ms Madison’s recipes are scrumptious and easy to make. Next time, handle stress with a side of souffle. What Julia Child is to French cooking, Ms Madison is to vegetarian cooking,” Damani said.

Six Crises, By Richard Nixon

Six Crises was the first book written by Richard M. Nixon, the 37th President of the U.S., in 1962. He was at that time, at a low point in his life and career. However, just six years later he became the President of the U.S. and a leader of the free world.

Tragically in another six years in 1974, his character flaws caused him to lose everything and resign the American Presidency in disgrace, thanks to the Watergate scandal. Triumph and tragedy intertwined. “This too shall pass is the motto that echoed to me after reading this magnificent tome,” Damani said.