Fisher: Wisdom From the Greats to Survive China's Bear Market

Short-term obstacles are inevitable — and often insurmountable at the time. But over the long term, China’s diverse economy is too vibrant not to shine. Photo: VCG

“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs ... yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it.” —Rudyard Kipling, “If—”

Self-control, patience, discipline — when I was a boy, my father drummed the lessons of Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem into my head. Today I keep a copy in my wallet — and another on my office wall, in plain view. Kipling’s ode to stoicism isn’t just great life advice. It is a blueprint for keeping cool amid the noise and emotions markets often stir. Today calls for that cool. Yes, the past 13 months have tested Chinese investors’ resolve, but brighter days will come. Here is more old wisdom — from investing greats and beyond—to help you stay level-headed through this bear market’s duration.