Do you wish you could invest like the late great Sir John Templeton (1912-2008)? If so, “The Templeton Touch” (by William Proctor with a Special Section by Scott Phillips, Templeton Press, 2012) is essential reading for understanding his successful strategies. It’s also the best publication I’ve read for comprehending John Templeton’s life and legacy as an investor in the field of ideas as well as the human condition.
Speaking about Templeton’s legacy, John Schott is quoted as saying “Well, as a human being, I am sure that his legacy will be his foundation and what they will achieve in time.” I am one of those lucky people who were able to spend time with Sir John, learn about his life and benefit from his generosity. I once asked him what gave him most joy in life. Very quickly and candidly he answered that his biggest source of joy was his philanthropic work. When I asked him to be more specific, he gave the example of his support to increase awareness about how prayer and spiritual life can affect healing and health. Prior to this philanthropic enterprise there was almost no one teaching this topic. Now, such courses are offered in a majority of medical schools throughout the country.
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