Novel Science of Observing the Similar

Isonomics: Hidden in Plain Sight by Matias Monteagudo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Isonomics – Hidden in Plain Sight by Matias Monteagudo; 120pp

The world is full of similar phenomena, things, places, etc. but to make observing and learning from these similarities is the science of Isonomics, according to Matias Monteaguado, the author of this 120-page text heavy essay. “Isonomics – from the Greek ἴσος (ísos, "equal") + νόμος (nómos, "law")—is a tree of science I fathered as the world's first isonomist,” explains the author in the very first page of this book clarifying to readers that there is no such stream of study officially recognized till now.
This book is more about investments and success than anything else. It explains how mental frameworks function and how people subconsciously inherit their beliefs and why it is so hard to step out of the borders that define our childhood and upbringing. Isonomics guides readers by offering a refreshingly different and yet practical guidelines to navigate today’s complex markets and most importantly attain success.
In this short book Monteagudo successfully instills the basic concepts of isonomics – a field study he defined and created. The author explains how to focus on risk across diverse assets, achieve long-term gains, avoid pooling of investments, etc. One of the core concepts explained in this book is to develop understanding of our observations – noticing patterns, assigning values, and making sense of the economic and capital markets. His premise is that even things that appear very similar behave in a strikingly different once properly measured.
This resource is a must-read for anyone looking to build a more robust, all-weather portfolio that can thrive across different economic cycles. Written in a chatty style, typeset in fairly large font the book is easy to read for people of all ages and walks of life. Though the beginning with its unusually complex verbiage can make it a slight bit of a challenge for those unfamiliar with English language.
The book makes it obvious the author’s interest in numbers, models, graphs, and of course recounting stories from real life which drives home the message/ concept being explained. Peppered with several interesting, and unusual stories, the message of the book is clear: how to observe for patterns, understand, and use the data obtained to attain success.
I would recommend this book for those interested in capital markets, philosophy, and of course observing patterns and improving decision making.

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