Table of Contents
Introduction
Naval Ravikant (b. 1974) is an Indian-American entrepreneur, investor, and a modern philosopher of the digital age.
He is also an active angel investor, investing in dozens of different companies, including Uber, Twitter, and FourSquare.
However, Naval is most famous for his unique thoughts on happiness, wealth creation, and living a meaningful life, which he shares on his podcasts and social media.
In this blog post, I’ve shared 70 inspiring Naval Ravikant quotes on life, money, happiness, and reading along with an analysis of a few of them.
20 Best Naval Ravikant Quotes
I don’t have time is just saying it’s not a priority.
Naval Ravikant
A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought — they must be earned.
Naval Ravikant
You make your own luck if you stay at it long enough.
Naval Ravikant
Technology is not only the thing that moves the human race forward, but it’s the only thing that ever has. Without technology, we’re just monkeys playing in the dirt.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Revolution is something that changes the perspective of the world and today technology has been at the forefront of these revolutions.
From the invention of the wheel to the digital era, we’ve witnessed how technological innovations have reshaped societies and economies throughout history.
Yet, these inventions go beyond changing our lifestyles; they’ve fundamentally shifted our thinking and understanding of the world, making us architects of our own future.
In truth, without these changes, we would revert to a simple way of life, dealing with the complexities of life with limited tools and knowledge.
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Forty hour workweeks are a relic of the Industrial Age. Knowledge workers function like athletes — train and sprint, then rest and reassess.
Naval Ravikant
Modern life is a single player game. Draw your own boundaries from society. Focus on changing yourself and living the life you want others to live.
Naval Ravikant
A clear mind, leads to better judgment, leads to better outcomes.
Naval Ravikant
If you want to operate at peak performance, you have to learn how to tame your mind.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
A mind full of ideas is better than a clouded mind. Having a clear and organized mind is key to staying creative and productive.
Think of our mind as a wild horse that is full of energy and potential, to unleash that potential, a skilled rider trains it.
In the same way, we need to control our minds to maximize their strength. This includes reducing distractions, concentrating, and being mentally strong.
Like this inspirational Naval Ravikant quote says, investing in our mental strength and well-being helps us stay productive, so we can stay ahead of the competition.
Be present above all else.
Naval Ravikant
Information is everywhere but its meaning is created by the observer that interprets it.
Naval Ravikant
The secret to public speaking is to speak as if you were alone.
Naval Ravikant
The fundamental delusion — there is something out there that will make me happy and fulfilled forever.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
As cliché as it sounds, forever is in fact a lie, everything in this world is temporary, even if it is happiness or sadness.
There is a huge misconception among us that something external, whether it’s a material possession, a dream job, or a perfect partner, will provide us with everlasting happiness.
Despite the fact that it is nothing but a beautiful lie, true happiness comes from within, not from external things or circumstances.
In essence, this quote by Naval Ravikant tells us that happiness isn’t a destination but a journey of self-discovery.
Success is the enemy of learning. It can deprive you of the time and the incentive to start over. Beginner’s mind also needs beginner’s time.
Naval Ravikant
Don’t debate people in the media when you can debate them in the marketplace.
Naval Ravikant
Wealth creation is an evolutionarily recent positive-sum game. Status is an old zero-sum game. Those attacking wealth creation are often just seeking status.
Naval Ravikant
Before you can lie to another, you must first lie to yourself.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
When we deceive someone, it often begins with deceiving ourselves. It’s like wearing a mask, not just for others but for ourselves too.
The act of dishonesty not only misleads others but creates a fog that hides our true selves.
In a way, lies damage our trust and relationships as well as weaken our self-awareness, pulling us away from living authentically and hiding the truth.
As we strive to lead honest lives, it’s crucial to recognize that the first person we should be honest with is ourselves.
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Even today, what to study and how to study it are more important than where to study it and for how long. The best teachers are on the Internet. The best books are on the Internet. The best peers are on the Internet. The tools for learning are abundant. It’s the desire to learn that’s scarce.
Naval Ravikant
To be honest, speak without identity.
Naval Ravikant
The power to make and break habits and learning how to do that is really important.
Naval Ravikant
Mathematics is the language of nature.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Delving into mathematics isn’t just about solving equations; it’s about discovering the hidden language that nature herself speaks.
If we look up at the night sky and observe the stars, we will find that mathematics is the key to understanding their positions, movements, and interactions.
But math doesn’t stop there; from the patterns of shells to the orbits of planets, It reveals the beauty in the natural world, allowing us to understand the precision of nature’s design.
At its core, studying math encourages us to open ourselves to a deeper understanding of the world around us.
15 The Almanack of Naval Ravikant Quotes
The more desire I have for something to work out a certain way, the less likely I am to see the truth.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
The more strong desire has become, the more we run away from the truth.
It is when we become too involved in the outcome and in return, our vision of reality becomes blurred like a tinted glass. Of Course, we can’t see reality through it.
Hence, the grip of intense desire tends to make us selective in what we see and hear, filtering out information that goes against our desires.
Essentially, this quote from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant gives us a lesson to balance our desires with the awareness of the facts around us.
Escape competition through authenticity.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
The three big ones in life are wealth, health, and happiness. We pursue them in that order, but their importance is reversed.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
The hardest thing is not doing what you want—it’s knowing what you want.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Escape competition through authenticity.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
It can be said that the fastest way to learn something is to teach it to others.
Hence, teaching is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s also about strengthening our understanding of the subject.
However, explaining requires us to organize our thoughts, simplify complex concepts, and anticipate questions – all of which contribute to a deeper understanding.
As a result, teaching exposes our knowledge gaps, motivating us to seek more information and improve our skills.
Intentions don’t matter. Actions do. That’s why being ethical is hard.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
As long as I have a book in my hand, I don’t feel like I’m wasting time.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Learn to sell. Learn to build. If you can do both, you will be unstoppable.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Memory and identity are burdens from the past preventing us from living freely in the present.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Memories, either happy or sad, tie us to past experiences, making it challenging to let go and live in the present.
In the same way, our identity, which is shaped by society’s expectations and beliefs, can limit us and prevent us from growing.
It is often the weight of our memories and the limitations of our identities that hide the beauty of the present moment.
Therefore, to truly grow forward, we should remember the past, but not let it control us. This allows us to live more freely in the moment.
Happiness is being satisfied with what you have.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Yes, hard work matters, and you can’t skimp on it. But it has to be directed in the right way.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
If it entertains you now but will bore you someday, it’s a distraction. Keep looking.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Amazing how many people confuse wealth and wisdom.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Rich people are not always wise, nor are wise men always wealthy.
Likewise, the size of a house and the beauty of a car do not indicate a person’s intelligence or wisdom.
Hence, wealth and wisdom are entirely different things. Wealth is about having money, whereas wisdom involves being smart and thoughtful.
So, we shouldn’t judge someone’s wisdom by his appearance and lifestyle just because wealth is often seen as a sign of success.
No one is going to value you more than you value yourself.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.
The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
12 Naval Ravikant Quotes About Life
This is such a short and precious life that it’s really important that you don’t spend it being unhappy.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Life is too short to spend it on regrets and worries.
In fact, it is a blank canvas waiting for us to fill it with happiness, love, and fulfillment to improve the world.
And since our time is limited, every moment counts. Choosing to remain unhappy only prevents us from experiencing joy and happiness in life.
Ultimately, choosing happiness is a thoughtful decision that honors the gift of life and makes our journey more meaningful and fulfilling.
The greatest superpower is the ability to change yourself.
Naval Ravikant
Slow down, life is long.
Naval Ravikant
Most of life is a search for who and what needs you the most.
Naval Ravikant
All greatness comes from suffering.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Achieving what we worked hard for often requires suffering and challenges that test our limits.
In other words, this Naval Ravikant quote about life reminds us that it’s through these trials and tribulations that we discover our inner strength and ability to overcome.
However, suffering can be a fuel for growth, pushing us to strive for excellence and overcome obstacles.
In essence, greatness is not merely a destination but a journey filled with hardships that, when embraced, can lead to remarkable achievements.
The flavor of life is on the edge.
Naval Ravikant
You have to do hard things to create your own meaning in life.
Naval Ravikant
The older the problem, the older the solution.
Naval Ravikant
If you don’t love yourself, who will?
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
In our cruel world, loving yourself is often viewed as self-serving or self-centered.
But here is an interesting thing, self-love isn’t about being self-centered. Instead, it’s about recognizing our worth, accepting our imperfections, and caring for ourselves.
Plus, when we love and value ourselves, we set a standard for how others should treat us. As a result, we build healthier, more respectful relationships.
Let these words by Naval Ravinkant encourage us to truly appreciate ourselves in order to be free from self-doubt.
All the real benefits of life come from compound interest.
Naval Ravikant
Total honesty at all times. It’s almost always possible to be honest & positive.
Naval Ravikant
Truth is that which has predictive power.
Naval Ravikant
11 Naval Ravikant Quotes on Money
Getting rich is about knowing what to do, who to do it with, and when to do it.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Becoming wealthy isn’t a roll of the dice; it’s a strategic process, as this Naval Ravikant quote on money suggests.
First and foremost, Knowledge is key. We have to be well-informed and skilled in the area where we want to succeed.
In addition, success isn’t a solo act. It’s about knowing people we can trust and collaborate with. Having the right people in our lives can open doors we didn’t even know existed.
And at last, timing is everything. We shouldn’t wait for too long or do things very quickly. To sum it up, becoming rich requires patience.
Lots of literacy in modern society, but not enough numeracy.
Naval Ravikant
Above “product-market fit” is “founder-product-market fit.
Naval Ravikant
Money doesn’t buy happiness – it buys freedom.
Naval Ravikant
Making money is not a thing you do—it’s a skill you learn.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Earning money requires a lot of effort. The people who believe that they just sit and earn money are wrong.
Rather, it’s a long process.
Just as sportsmen practice to become experts in sports. Likewise, the individuals who build wealth must invest in their financial knowledge. This skill evolves from investing to business ownership.
In essence, like any other skill, making money also requires a lot of patience, dedication, and hard work.
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If they wrote it to make money, don’t read it.
Naval Ravikant
Earn with your mind, not your time.
Naval Ravikant
You’re not going to get rich renting out your time. You must own equity — a piece of a business — to gain your financial freedom.
Naval Ravikant
Clear thinkers appeal to their own authority.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
When people are confident in their thoughts, they don’t rely completely on others’ opinions.
Rather, they use their own wisdom and judgment to make decisions. This allows them to make decisions that are based on their own values and beliefs.
Moreover, clear thinkers are able to analyze complex matters critically and logically, which helps them separate fact from opinion.
Thus, this Naval Ravinkant’s quote encourages us to make decisions self-reliantly, think critically, and trust our own wisdom. By doing so, we become more authentic and confident.
Money is a bubble that never pops. It’s a consensus hallucination.
Naval Ravikant
Smart money is just dumb money that’s been through a crash.
Naval Ravikant
8 Naval Ravikant Quotes on Reading
Study logic and math, because once you’ve mastered them, you won’t fear any book.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
Mastering logic and math is like gaining a superpower. It equips us with the ability to tackle complex ideas and challenges fearlessly.
Think of logic as the compass that guides us through complicated discussions, scientific theories, and even everyday problem-solving.
Mathematics, on the other hand, serves as the universal language that helps us understand finance and figure out the mysteries of the world.
As we move forward on our journey to study logic and math, we prepare ourselves to explore the world of knowledge with confidence.
Listening to books instead of reading them is like drinking your vegetables instead of eating them.
Naval Ravikant
If you can speed read it, it isn’t worth reading.
Naval Ravikant
Read what you love until you love to read.
Naval Ravikant
The smarter you get, the slower you read.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
The smartest among us are those who read books slowly and deeply understand the meaning of every line.
Contrary to this, our mind is similar to a musical instrument. When we first learn to play them, we speed up the rhythm. As we learn to appreciate their composition, the tempo slows down.
In the same way, true intelligence isn’t about speed-reading through books, but about absorbing, analyzing, and processing knowledge.
That’s why to truly absorb wisdom, we must not rush through the pages. Instead, we should take our time and understand each word deeply.
To write a great book, you must first become a book.
Naval Ravikant
You know that song that you can’t get out of your head? All thoughts work that way. Careful what you read.
Naval Ravikant
It’s not about “educated” vs “uneducated.” It’s about “likes to read” and “doesn’t like to read”.
Naval Ravikant
4 Naval Ravikant Quotes on Happiness
Happiness is more about peace than it is about joy.
Naval Ravikant
Brief Analysis
As we grow in life, we find out that happiness does not only come from moments of overwhelming joy but also from moments of inner peace.
Much like a harmonious dance, happiness comes from being able to handle the complexities and challenges we encounter.
And this Naval Ravikant quote on happiness implies that trusting in happiness means embracing life’s ups and downs and accepting them as part of our journey.
Ultimately, happiness isn’t just an emotion; it’s a deep, inner state of being where joy and peace coexist, regardless of life’s twists and turns.
True happiness comes out of peace. Peace comes out of many things, but it comes from fundamentally understanding yourself.
Naval Ravikant
If you could literally just sit for 30 minutes and be happy, you are successful.
Naval Ravikant
The most important trick to be happy is to realize that happiness is a skill that you develop and a choice that you make. You choose to be happy, and then you work at it.
Naval Ravikant
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