the stock market often shits its pants. such is the nature of the stock market. It has happened many times throughout history. there was the great depression, the 2008 financial crisis… these are just small ripples compared to those waves being surprised when the market corrects is like going to a seafood restaurant and being surprised that they’re mostly serving fish some investors are panicking and flailing. it never occurred to them that the market could go down rather than up. Many of them will be convinced to sell everything they own dirt cheap out of fear. these people are the emotional speculators Other investors are calm and collected. They considered the possibility of a pullback and planned for it in advance. They kept cash ready for a moment like this. And they will acquire shares at a great price, such that the next time there is a correction their cost basis will still be less than the new lower price. so why play the beautiful game of buying and selling companies? because if done right, the gains can change your life. Yes, there’s always the possibility of a crash that prevents you from getting your capital out when you need it, but thats the risk you take. That’s the risk you are compensated for with your future gains. And it’s a job I’m happy to be paid for. These are the times that separate the men from the boys. The women from the girls. The people who have no clue what they’re doing are freaking out, tweeting like chickens with their heads cut off. And the people who know how to navigate moments like this are calm, listening, waiting, learning. You can learn a lot about someone based on what group they fall in.