Possessing and Using Chauffer Knowledge is a Liability

I have been reading 1 chapter to 5 chapters  daily of this wonderful book by Rolf Dobelli

" The art of thinking clearly"

and trying to understand fully what these concepts mean and how to apply them in my never ending quest to first seek to understand a core concept or value, to be fully cognizant of the advantages, disadvantages and finally implementing it or discarding it in the scrapheap of my mind.

This idea of Chauffer Knowledge as written so beautifully by the psychologist Dr. Dobelli was first presented by Mr. Charlie Munger, who is Mr. Warren Buffett's (Berthshire Hathaway chairman and founder) partner.

Chauffer Knowledge is superficial knowledge which is picked up vicariously through many hours of chauffering an expert who has studied, researched and conducted experiments to validate theories (scientific for example).  

Mr. Munger told of this beautiful story of Max Planck, the famous German physicist who is credited with quantum mechanics theories and while he was alive, he was a popular and much sought after speaker in many Universities all over Europe and the world.

During those days pre-smart phone and the social media (early 20th century), Dr. Planck had a chauffer who brought him to all his talks and listened intently to Dr. Planck's lectures while understanding superficially the concept of quantum mechanics did not have the full 'domain knowledge' to BE Dr. Planck or even his student.

One day, the chauffer was feeling naughty and asked Dr. Planck, "sir, I have been driving you to all your lectures and talks and I know enough, much more than anyone else I know, so here is a little challenge for you. "

"Tomorrow you have this lecture at XYZ University, why not I take your place and present the talk, you can take a rest. And if I succeed in fooling everybody, you can buy me a nice dinner !" Dr. Planck laughed and agreed, as he wanted to see how this would end 

The next day, true to his word, at XYZ University, "Dr Planck" stepped up the podium and made a 1 hour lecture to his starry eyed attendees. Nobody could guess that this was his chauffer !  However, one Professor of physics was not too impressed and stood up to challenge "Dr Planck's" quantum mechanics hypothesis. So his years of study and research he put "Dr Planck" to the test or under the microscope !

"Dr Planck" stood transfixed as the Prof asked his question, and obviously he was at a loss for words... however he recovered his composure and confidently said :

"Now, my theories are so well researched and understood and I am surprised that you would ask such a question, even my "chauffer" who is sitting in the front row understands it.
I will give him the opportunity to answer you !!! "

My point is this, Chauffer Knowledge is indeed knowledge picked up superficially and vicariously. If you think your chauffer knowledge is able to get you through life's test or tribulations you are indeed wrong !

Make every effort to understand what you are intending to achieve, then go and painstakingly make representative models and discuss theories with all who are knowledgeable in it. 

Then you will attain some domain knowledge and with that some expertise.

There are lots of 'armchair' skiers, swimmers and marathon runners doling advice.

They will be the first to fail when their advice is put to the test in the actual swimming meet, ski run and marathon.

Do the time and you will be fine. 

 

  

Restaurant Mar do Inferno Cascais

Restaurant "Mar do Inferno"

Boca do Inferno

Situated just a stone's throw from Eurostars Cascais is the Boca do Inferno, which is a marvel to behold. Literally Hell's Mouth, the sight of it and the sounds of it are really unforgettable. See my earlier posts about that.

Meanwhile, when we first arrived at Cascais on 9th Dec 2019, we had to wait for our room to be ready and the concierge suggested we eat lunch at the Mar do Inferno. This seafood restaurant ("Restaurant de frutos do mar" ) is the second best seafood restaurant we have eaten in Portugal, the best being at the Mar a Vista at Ericeira. 

We made reservations with the concierge and it was a short walk (10 minutes) to the water wonder  where we were treated to a tremendous sight and a fabulous restaurant with great seafood next to it. 

Along the scenic and weather perfect route, we chanced by a "hot dog" stand, complete with chairs and tables to eat fast food and enjoy the scenery and to "live in the moment. " 

Piece de Resistance the "Seafood Platter"

Portugal is a country famous for its seafood, and their shellfish cuisine is second to none. I will not give a review here in this post, but it can be seen from the pictures that the seafood is freshly caught, and very very tasty.  

The portions are huge per person, so always ask the Maitre 'D if the food ordered is too much for the smaller Asian appetites. Most times, they will tell you exactly what you need to order and that is enough.

The wines, from the Port to the Sauvignion Blanc are first rate and inexpensive. So. remember the following for Portugal :

Food 

Seafood is tops. Wine Port is tops. Their desserts are superb, egg tart is world famous.

Scenery

So many nice beaches to visit. If I was 20 years younger I would learn to surf !

People

Generally very friendly ; English speakers serving in most restaurants 

Climate

Less cold than Northern Europe. Perhaps little snow only in the late winter months

Cost of living  

cheaper than Spain, France, Germany and UK. 

Its all about the Quality of our Relationships.

With Kim Soon Fang in Hong Kong in 2008 

There was a Harvard study whose findings were released in early 2000s which did extensive interviews for over 70,000 men. Men in general as a means to discover their paths, their lifestyles and their partners,children and loved ones.

The objective was to find out why some men lived longer than others and vice versa. Was it something in the water, the food they ate, the people they associated themselves with, the jobs, careers, friends, family, their pets and everything relating to their lives.

The interviews were carried out over 70 years and it started from when they were strapping and healthy young men in their early '70s till the time they lost contact with them, and / or when the men passed away.

With Hans Brys at his shop in 2016

One common  facet which was present with the men who reached their '80s. They may have been sickly by the time, some may have been fine and then many others had passed away. The common facet amongst men who lived the longest was that they were the HAPPIEST.

The attainment of happiness had nothing to do with their social standing, how much they earned in their productive economic years, nor the race nor the places where they lived be it in the cities or in the rural areas.

With family at Christmas 2015 

The fact that men were happy, and thus lived longer was that they had a good social network of friends and family within and without the community. People they could call upon to share their troubles, their fears, their frustrations and their hopes.

Men, have this big problem about opening up on their failings. This is one of the biggest stumbling blocks which ultimately affect men's health and their longevity of their lives as a consequence.

The quality of my relationship with my family and friends needs to be strong. To count on them and to be counted upon. In good times, and in bad. In sickness, in good health, in debt and in the heights of success and monetary blessings.  

That in a nutshell is how men, in particular can stay and remain happy throughout their lives. 

Carpe Diem 

In Transit

The air of expectancy of visiting a new place yet untrodden,

People coasting along in jackets,trenchcoats and sweaters chasing planes in 

numerous gates.

The smell of freshly baked croissants wafts in the air

The babble of multiple languages in all 4 corners of the expansive halls

This is the Transition of our Times.

People, places, nourishment, chatter, laughter and the distant roar of the engines

All mix in one heady cacophany of excitement, anticipation and curiosity

Time and Flights wait for no one

We have so little yet experience so much in Transition.  

Cabo da Roca Westernmost point in Europe

                           38.7804° N, 9.4989° W

These are the coordinates of the Lighthouse above for the Cabo da Roca. The Westernmost point of Western Europe facing the Atlantic Ocean.

As a place to visit, it offers grandiose views and steep sheer rocks into the stormy Atlantic Ocean below. It is cold, windy and basically apart from the scenic view, a pretty harsh environment for anyone to live let alone operate a business nearby. We were making our day trip as scenic and memorable as we could, so first stop out of Cascais was the Praia do Guicho surfer's beach. 

As the second stop, we went to the Westernmost part of Western Europe to see and experience for ourselves what it was like standing on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. In one word, humbling. 

This cenotaph depicts the location as being the Westernmost part of Western Europe.Many tourists from all over the world know of this scenic spot, and we made our way their thanks to a good Portuguese friend and the utilities of Uber.  I am really glad we came as this trip was the first in a long while with our younger son.   

There were hordes of tourists at this spot, and while there were plenty of signs not to walk down the cliffs as there was the danger of tripping and falling, many people took no heed to the signs and walked right to the far end of the most distant cliff.

Darwin's theory of evolution sure was in fine exhibition that day ! 

Adopting a silly pose in front of a beautiful scene. 

As you can see behing me is the "No Go" zone but there are plenty of tourists attempting to go to the farthest and lowest parts of the rocky cliffs taking risks of falling or slipping into oblivion just for the sake of taking that most unique of selfies and risking their lives.

As I age, I get more and more Kiasi and Kiasu ! A trait only Singaporeans will identify ! 

Well at least I live to come back and write this blog post. 

Another wacky smile in front of the distant lighthouse. 

Praia do Guincho Beach ; Surfers Paradise Portugal Dec 10th 2019

The massive roar of the waves can make anyone humble before Nature. 

Part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Guincho Beach is endowed with a surrounding landscape of great beauty in which the white sand dunes contrast with the deep tones of the Serra de Sintra hills, looming in the background.

Given both its strong winds and waves, the Beach attracts a great following among bodyboarders and surfers. Throughout summer, there is generally a good northerly wind ensuring Guincho is excellent for windsurfing.

Nearby, there are some excellent restaurants specialising in fish and shellfish dishes.

The Praia do Guincho in the Sintra National Park is a must visit ; this beach is world famous for its breaks and windsurfers,body boarders and surfers from Europe and the US make a beeline every spring till Autumn to ride its breaks.

If I ever had a chance to relive my life, I would try to extreme ski, surf, parachute and even bodysuit down the highest peaks. I would easily qualify as an adrenaline junkie ! Maybe not live past 30 years of age !!! 

This Fort converted to a 5 * hotel with a Michelin * restaurant to boot sits right above the crashing waves of Praia do Guincho. I was taken aback that the waves actually splashed right below the window seats ; Hence the food and the ambience were frankly a "one of a kind experience."

 "World Class" 

Cascais Dec 9th Evening Sunset and Night View of Town

As small coastal towns go, Cascais is a pretty town especially at night. In 2018 we travelled to Nice, Antibes, Cannes and Monaco and spent really an enjoyable time in the towns there. France has the Cote Azur - the playground for the rich and believe me, they are very glamorous and touristy. 

Canne in particular is one town I don't  like, its vibe is too flashy and in your face rich.

Too ostentatious and obnoxious for me. 

Portugal's coastal towns are somewhat more down to earth and they have more local tourists. The dining is far more Portuguese than the French coastal towns where there are many international chains of hotels. The natural wonders such as the steep cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean as well as the raw Boca de Inferno plus Baco de Roca, Praio de Guincho and the sights further up north only refinforce Portugal's potential to be one of the top tourist destinations in the world in the coming decades.

The town of Cascais is easily seen by foot and while there are suburbs in the north, the coast town itself is pretty and during winter, it is deserted, which suits us just fine.We loved the seafood, the egg tarts (Portuguese egg tarts are world famous), the people seem more friendly than the Spaniards and dining is relatively cheaper than in Spain. 

It is my dream one day to cycle the coast with my friend and see the length up and down of Portugal.Now that would be a Massive Tick off my Bucket List.

Carpe Diem.