I recently recalled the famous story of Newton, and this guy really gave us a profound lesson.

Back in 1719, the South Sea Company stocks were booming all over England, and 77-year-old Newton couldn't resist the temptation. At first, he was quite rational, making a small entry at 120 pounds, and within a month, it rose to 270 pounds, more than doubling. He decisively sold, earning a 125% profit. Honestly, this move would still be considered textbook-level today.

But this guy later had a crash. Seeing others around him getting rich, when the stock hit 600 pounds, Newton couldn't hold back anymore and poured his entire fortune of over 20k pounds into it. The stock peaked at 1,000 pounds and then collapsed, ultimately leaving him completely wiped out. Newton himself later said a classic quote: "I can calculate the orbits of celestial bodies, but I find it hard to predict human madness."

Do you know how much 20k pounds was worth at that time? In 1719, the average GDP per capita in England was only 6 to 8 pounds. Adjusted for today's purchasing power, that’s about 111.2 million pounds, roughly 1 billion RMB. One of the smartest people in scientific history was defeated by market greed.

Looking at the stories in the current crypto world, I feel they are almost identical to Newton’s experience. Most people follow this pattern: start with small bets, realize making money isn’t that hard, then see someone in their social circle achieving financial freedom or multiplying their wealth, and finally go all-in, only to get trapped at the top. Chasing highs, holding on stubbornly, fantasizing about another wave of rise—this cycle repeats endlessly.

Bitcoin has surged so strongly over the past year, rising for seven consecutive months. If you still haven't made a profit, I can only say this market might really not be suitable for you. But what’s even more heartbreaking is that if an ordinary person with no financial knowledge, who hasn't read a single finance book, and knows nothing about what they’re buying can make money in crypto, then who would still want to go to work?

Newton’s story reminds us that no matter how smart you are, you must stay humble in the face of the market. Take profits when it’s time, and don’t be defeated by human nature and greed.