The unofficial Munger Archive calls this short version an attribution rather than a verbatim recording. Stripe Press’s book contains a fuller two-part rule: “Take a simple, basic idea” and “take it very seriously.” The short display is also used by the publisher, but its original occasion remains unconfirmed.
“Take a simple idea and take it seriously” Shortened version of Charlie Munger’s two-part rule in Poor Charlie’s Almanack; exact original short-form occasion unconfirmed. · Verbatim: “Take a simple, basic idea and take it very seriously.”
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Provenance
The source
Evidence
Poor Charlie’s Almanack, Harvard Law School 50 th Reunion Address
The unofficial Munger Archive calls this short version an attribution rather than a verbatim recording. Stripe Press’s book contains a fuller two-part rule: “Take a simple, basic idea” and “take it very seriously.” The short display is also used by the publisher, but its original occasion remains unconfirmed. Munger Archive wording note ↗
Munger’s fuller rule appears in a modern copyrighted book. The shorter variant is not declared public domain.
Rights status is our research, not legal advice — and copyright varies by country and edition. For commercial or published use, confirm with the rightsholder. See terms.
Context
The setting behind the words
The fuller rule occurs in an argument about taking elementary ideas seriously across disciplines. Munger calls it an old two-part rule rather than claiming exclusive invention. The familiar short form preserves the gist while reducing his wording. Publisher’s full book text ↗
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More provenance-checked quotes on the same theme, each with its reuse status.
Charlie Munger trained as a lawyer and became Warren Buffett’s long-term investing partner at Berkshire Hathaway. He also chaired Wesco Financial and the Daily Journal Corporation. His public talks combine business examples with psychology, mathematics and lessons about practical judgment.
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Source consulted
Charlie Munger. Poor Charlie’s Almanack, Harvard Law School 50 th Reunion Address. Source and limits described above.
This verification page
Quotle.info. “Who really said ‘Take a simple idea and take it seriously’?” Last verified 9 Nov 2026. https://quotle.info/who-said/take-a-simple-idea-and-take-it-seriously/