The Geometry of Wealth

How to Shape a Life of Money and Meaning

By: Brian Portnoy

Narrated by: Jack Ares

How does money figure into a happy life? In The Geometry of Wealth, behavioral finance expert Brian Portnoy delivers an inspired answer based on the idea that wealth, truly defined, is funded contentment. It is the ability to underwrite a meaningful life. This stands in stark contrast to angling to become rich, which is usually an unsatisfying treadmill.

At the heart of this groundbreaking perspective, Portnoy takes listeners on a journey toward wealth, informed by disciplines ranging from ancient history to modern neuroscience. He contends that tackling the big questions about a joyful life and tending to financial decisions are complementary, not separate, tasks.

These big questions include:

• How is the human brain wired for two distinct experiences of happiness? And why can money "buy" one but not the other?
• Are the touchstones of a meaningful life affordable?
• Why is market savvy among the least important sources of wealth but self-awareness is among the most?
• Can we strike a balance between pushing for more and being content with enough?

This journey memorably contours along three basic shapes: A circle, triangle, and square help us visualize how we adapt to evolving circumstances, set clear priorities, and find empowerment in simplicity. In this accessible and entertaining audiobook, Portnoy reveals that true wealth is achievable for many - including those who despair it is out of reach - but only in the context of a life in which purpose and practice are thoughtfully calibrated.

©2018 Brian Portnoy (P)2019 Brian Portnoy

Great book to better understand investor behavior

Brian does a great job at getting to the heart of why we sometimes struggle at being content with investment performance. He illustrates what it means to be wealthy vs rich and how we can achieve wealth even if we think we're unable to.

Straightforward Info Mispronounced

I had higher hopes…
This is a straightforward compilation of various studies and theories about the mindset of wealth accumulation and management. Good information, but nothing particularly fresh to this particular reader.
Speaking of readers, the narrator had an authoritative voice and managed to capture some of the intended humor, but the frequent mispronunciations and even mis-readings of various psychological and financial terms interfered significantly with the delivery.

Important information

This is important information for investors; the behavioural investing element was especially valuable. What I didn’t like was the performance of the narrator. While his voice had a pleasant resonance, he mispronounced words that he really should know.

Great Synopsis of How to Build Wealth

There’s a big difference between being rich and being wealthy. The author explores the key components of building wealth in one’s life. They are adaptation, prioritization and simplification. He’s careful to note that this process is useless unless you have the right mindset and a plan. When you do, you’ll have a better chance of being happy and content and ultimately achieving wealth.

The Perfect Introduction to Money Thinking

This was my first experience with this author and narrator and I loved them both. Although I'm pretty advanced in investments compared to the Average Joe, I really appreciated that Brian took a step back from all the heavy financial jargon and number crunching and really answered what this is all about. Knowing the technical aspects of investing isn't enough. Brian presents a real platform to understanding what wealth building is all about, and from that spring board we're better prepared to succeed. Outstanding work and highly recommended.

Way too wordy!

I never write reviews but felt compelled for this one. I like audible for its content and financial topics. This guy seem to have good credentials and the title was appealing but I think the author likes to hear himself talk. Way way too wordy and says practically nothing about wealth. I should’ve listened to the sample. Keep skipping ahead to the next chapter hoping for something different but he just likes eloquent words with a little substance.

Verbose, Overwrought, and Mildly Insightful

The insights that are available here are found nearly everywhere these days and they are delivered with too many words and quotes.

Narrator ruins a perfectly mediocre book

The content is pretty unremarkable for this genre of books. It’s the same stories, same examples, and same academic research (though sometimes dubious quality of research). If you’re new to the genre and want the content, definitely read the book. The narrator uses the story as an opportunity to practice his community theater level voice acting skills. The book isn’t about him but he tries to make his voice the center of attention. Additionally, his impersonation of MLK, Jr. is cringe worthy. Also, on a technical note, there is a distinctive echo in the recording, probably from a piece of glass or other flat hard surface. Once you hear it you can’t unhear it :-/

Needs more plain English

Reads like a philosophy textbook. So painful. Far too wordy and complex. Narrator doesn’t help