The Curse of Perfect Memory: Investment Lessons from Funes the Memorious Translations

  • Author:
    Geoff Robinson
  • Level: 
    Intermediate to advanced
  • Study time:
    10 minutes
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Course overview
In Jorge Luis Borges' "Funes the Memorious," a young man gains the dubious gift of perfect memory—remembering every leaf, every cloud, and every moment in excruciating detail. Yet this seeming superpower becomes his prison, leaving him unable to truly think or understand.

Sound familiar? In today's world of infinite data feeds, real-time analytics, and AI-driven insights, investment analysts face their own version of Funes' curse. How do we avoid drowning in detail? When does more information become less insight?
This essay explores how a 20th-century literary masterpiece offers surprisingly relevant guidance for modern investment professionals navigating the age of information overflow. Learn why sometimes the key to better analysis isn't remembering more—it's knowing what to forget.

Available as part of our Premium and Premium Plus subscription tiers.

What's included?

  • 1 videos
  • Learning how to differentiate the signal from the noise
  • Insights from a #1 ranked data-driven analyst

Who should watch this playlist? 

This analysis will resonate with investment professionals, financial analysts, and portfolio managers who grapple daily with information overload in their decision-making processes. It's particularly valuable for quantitative analysts who may find themselves drowning in data points, and fundamental analysts who struggle to balance detailed company knowledge with broader market perspectives. The piece also offers insights for fintech developers building analytical tools, investment committee members weighing competing analyses, and business school students preparing for careers in finance. While the literary foundation makes it accessible to a broad audience, the piece speaks most directly to those who must regularly transform vast amounts of information into actionable investment decisions.

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Geoff Robinson
FCA FMVA MFM

Thought leader, instructor, writer, financial influencer, Former UBS Managing Director and 8x #1 ranked analysts EMEA Institutional Investor Survey
ABOUT Geoff
Geoff has had a varied career. He was a Managing Director within UBS Equity Research, leading their Global Fundamental Analytics franchise. During this time, he was #1, ranked 9x in the EMEA Institutional Investor Survey. Before UBS, he was a material equity investor and LBO co-investor in two market exited training consultancies. Geoff has a passion for learning and is well-known for his ability to break down complex subject matter and distil it to an audience in a digestible and engaging manner. He brings this passion to TheInvestmentAnalyst.com. 
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