Joel Greenblatt vs John Templeton: Investment Philosophy Compared

Comparing 48 vs 54 investment principles across 16 common topics

Use this page to compare Joel Greenblatt and John Templeton by decision process, not by performance claims. Start with each investor’s style summary, then scan the 16 shared topics to see where their principles overlap. If you are new, begin with the common topics; if you have a specific problem, jump to the topic table and open the related rule pages. Next, use the unique-topic lists to choose a framework that fits your current question (risk control, valuation discipline, thesis review, or behavior). Open 2–3 linked principle pages and write one “what would change my mind?” trigger in your journal. Educational only.

Decision Checklist (How to Choose)

  • Name the decision and time horizon (buy/hold/sell review, sizing, or thesis update).
  • Read both style summaries first; note what each emphasizes and what they explicitly avoid.
  • Pick 1–2 topics that matter to your decision and compare principle counts side-by-side.
  • Use the common topics as your baseline checklist, then add one unique topic as a differentiator.
  • Write 1–3 invalidation triggers (what evidence would change your mind) and set a review date.
  • If you disagree with a principle, write why—and what evidence would change that view.

Misuse and Risk Warnings

  • Do not treat principle counts as skill, performance, or expected returns—they only describe coverage.
  • Avoid cherry-picking the master you already prefer. Force yourself to read the strongest counter-framework.
  • Quotes, bios, and labels are context; your final decision still requires your own research and risk limits.
Joel Greenblatt

Joel Greenblatt

48 principles

Investment Style: Value Investing, Special Situations, Quantitative Value, Systematic Approach

Joel Greenblatt (born December 13, 1957) is an American investor, hedge fund manager, and author. He is the founder of Gotham Capital, which achieved annualized returns of approximately 40% from 1985 ...

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John Templeton

John Templeton

54 principles

Investment Style: Global Investing, Contrarian, Value Investing, Long-term Holding

Sir John Marks Templeton (November 29, 1912 – July 8, 2008) was an American-born British investor, fund manager, and philanthropist. He founded the Templeton Growth Fund in 1954, which became one of t...

Common Investment Topics

Both Joel Greenblatt and John Templeton share principles on these topics.

TopicJoel GreenblattJohn Templeton
Stock Picking3 principles 4 principles
Thinking Methods3 principles 3 principles
Business Judgment3 principles 3 principles
Margin of Safety3 principles 3 principles
Life Wisdom3 principles 3 principles
Long-Term Investing3 principles 5 principles
Business Quality3 principles 3 principles
Circle of Competence3 principles 3 principles
Market Psychology3 principles 3 principles
Selling & Review3 principles 4 principles
Mental Models3 principles 3 principles
Buying Principles3 principles 4 principles
Value Assessment3 principles 3 principles
Risk Management3 principles 3 principles
Investment Philosophy3 principles 3 principles
Investment Psychology3 principles 4 principles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between Joel Greenblatt and John Templeton as investors?

Joel Greenblatt has 48 investment principles and John Templeton has 54. They share insights on 16 common topics, yet each brings unique perspectives and methodologies that complement each other.

What do Joel Greenblatt and John Templeton have in common?

Joel Greenblatt and John Templeton share principles across 16 investment topics. These common themes represent the most fundamental ideas in investing, approached from different but complementary angles.

Should I follow Joel Greenblatt or John Templeton to learn investing?

Both masters offer invaluable wisdom. Joel Greenblatt with 48 principles and John Templeton with 54 principles cover complementary aspects of investing. Studying both provides a more complete investment framework.