John Templeton
John Templeton's framework turns an investing idea into a decision memo: what to check, what to avoid, and what would change your mind. Use the 54 principles below as a checklist—not as buy/sell signals—and verify any numbers or quotes with primary sources. If you're new, start with Global Investing to frame business quality, valuation discipline, and risk, then browse topics to find the rules that match your situation. Pair each principle with a concrete trigger so you can review whether you followed the process after the decision.
- Start with the principles as questions (not trade signals).
- Write down your thesis, risks, and “what would change my mind”.
- Cross-check with scenarios, filings, and your own data sources.
Educational only. This is not investment advice.
"The four most dangerous words in investing are: 'This time it is different.'"
About John Templeton
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 the most successful international investment funds in history. Templeton pioneered global diversification, investing in international markets when most American investors focused solely on domestic stocks. He famously bought shares in every company trading below $1 on the New York Stock Exchange in 1939, multiplying his money many times over. His investment philosophy centered on finding "maximum pessimism" – buying when others were most fearful. Templeton believed that the best bargains were found in markets and companies that others had abandoned. He was also known for his patience, often holding investments for years. A deeply religious man, Templeton established the Templeton Prize in 1972 to honor individuals who advance spiritual understanding. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1987 for his philanthropic contributions.
Core Investment Principles
Buy at Maximum Pessimism
Bull markets are born on pessimism, grow on skepticism, mature on optimism, and die on euphoria. The time of maximum pes...
→Search for Bargains Globally
If you search worldwide, you will find more bargains and better bargains than by studying only one nation. The best valu...
→Value in Neglected Markets
The best opportunities are found in the most neglected, overlooked, and unloved parts of the market. That's where the re...
→Quality at Bargain Prices
The time to buy the best quality stocks is when they are temporarily depressed. Quality always recovers, but you must ha...
→Strong Balance Sheet Focus
Companies with strong balance sheets can survive adversity and emerge stronger. Financial strength is the foundation of ...
→Browse John Templeton's Principles by Topic
Famous Quotes
"Bull markets are born on pessimism"
"grow on skepticism"
"mature on optimism"
"and die on euphoria."
"The time of maximum pessimism is the best time to buy"
