Quote of the day by Charlie Munger: ‘The iron rule of life is that everybody struggles. If you soldier through, you can get through almost anything.’

Charlie Munger was no ordinary man. The legendary business tycoon, American investor and philanthropist, shaped young minds with his words of wisdom gathered through a lifetime of experience and unwavering integrity, leaving behind a legacy rooted in rational thinking and emotional intelligence. The late vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, a reputed US multinational conglomerate, was also a longtime friend of another ace business magnate and philanthropist, Warren Buffett. So, when Charlie shares a piece of advice, it is only reasonable to take it to heart and follow it diligently.

In his last interview with CNBC's Becky Quick in 2023, Charlie Munger reflected on his life, tragedies and the strength of moving forward regardless. One of the statements shared in the conversation highlighted his idea of resilience in the face of inevitable hardship. It was, ‘The iron rule of life is that everybody struggles. You can't bring the dead. You can't cure the dying child. You can't do all kinds of things. You have to soldier through. If you soldier through, you can get through almost anything.’

Charlie Munger’s quote and modern-day relevance

The quote underscores the harsh yet universal truth that suffering is unavoidable. No amount of wealth, status, or preparation can shield a person from experiencing heartbreak, loss, or disappointment. In the modern world, where everyone is chasing success, Charlie Munger’s statement encourages emotional maturity and accepting what cannot be fixed, helping to conserve energy instead of focusing on resentment and self-pity. You needn’t suppress grief or ignore hardships, but have to move forward with courage despite them. Cultivating inner strength and practising perseverance allow individuals to survive adversity and emerge wiser and more resilient.

Charlie Munger’s personal life

The quote holds a deeper meaning for Charlie Munger. Although the industry titan went through a fair share of challenges in his personal life, he never treated suffering as an excuse to stall out. In his late 20s, Charlie went through a divorce with his first wife, Nancy Barry, and endured a difficult financial strain. The couple shared three children, Teddy, Molly and Wendy. Teddy, however, passed away from leukemia when he was just 9. Charlie’s ordeal didn’t end here, as he lost vision in one eye after a botched cataract surgery. He got married for the second time to Nancy Huggins, but after 52 years of marriage, she left for the heavenly abode.

Charlie Munger, best known for his witty one-liners and investment tips, was born in Omaha. He left the University of Michigan, became an Army meteorologist during World War II, and later earned a degree from Harvard Law School, where he met Warren Buffett at a dinner party in 1959. According to Forbes, Munger joined Berkshire Hathaway in the 1970s. He died in 2023 at the age of 99.