One day, Warren Buffett was driving his friend’s car when his friend noticed that all the showrooms were closed. Concerned about the declining market, he asked Buffett, "The market is not doing well at all. It has fallen a lot. How can we recover from this economy? Will we ever get out?" Buffett responded with a simple but profound question, "What was the best-selling candy in 1962?" His friend, Jim, hesitated but answered, "I don’t know... Snickers?" Buffett then asked, "And what’s the best-selling candy now?" Jim again replied, "Snickers." That was it. The conversation ended in silence.

Buffett’s response carried a powerful message: While the world keeps changing, some things remain constant. Understanding and focusing on these timeless principles can lead to lasting success and happiness.

This idea is explored in Morgan Housel’s book, Same As Ever, where he highlights six key lessons that remain unchanged throughout history. Let’s dive into these invaluable insights.

1. Risk is What You Don’t See

Risk isn’t always what’s visible—it’s often the unforeseen that causes the biggest impact. Take the story of Harry Houdini, the great magician. He could escape from chains underwater and survive being buried alive. Yet, an unexpected punch from a student in a casual backstage moment led to a ruptured appendix and, eventually, his death. The lesson? Predicting everything is impossible. Instead of focusing on predictions, we should prioritize preparedness. Like California, where earthquakes are unpredictable but buildings and emergency systems are always ready.

2. Expectation vs. Reality

In the 1950s, homes were 33% smaller, incomes were lower, and workplace fatalities were higher. Yet, happiness levels were much higher compared to today. Why? Expectations. As technology and wealth increase, so do people’s desires and comparisons with others. Social media has amplified this, making people believe that others are happier and more successful than they actually are. True happiness comes not from luxury but from managing expectations and focusing on personal fulfillment.

3. The Best Story Wins

History remembers stories, not just facts. The Titanic wasn’t the only shipwreck, but its tragic story made it legendary. Similarly, Charles Darwin wasn’t the first to propose evolution, but his compelling narrative made him the face of the theory. People don’t connect with dry information—they connect with stories. That’s why businesses, leaders, and innovators who communicate their ideas effectively through storytelling succeed more than those who rely solely on logic.

4. Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Bad

California’s record rainfall in 2017 ended a drought but also led to devastating wildfires. Why? The sudden abundance of plants provided excess fuel for fires. Similarly, sudden and extreme success can lead to downfall. When Will Smith won his Oscar, he was at his peak—only to face public scrutiny for his infamous slap incident. Overexposure, rapid success, and uncontrolled growth often lead to unexpected consequences.

5. Sudden Growth is Never Good

Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in history, grew rapidly due to a medical condition. While admired for his size, his body couldn’t support his height, leading to health problems and an early death. The lesson? Growth needs to be sustainable. In business, career, or personal development, rapid expansion without a strong foundation often leads to collapse. Warren Buffett humorously said, "You can’t produce a baby in one month by getting nine women pregnant." The key is patience and steady progress.

6. Magic Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone

Many of the greatest innovations—radar, atomic energy, the internet—originated from military needs, where solving problems quickly was essential. The 1930s were one of the worst economic periods, yet they also saw immense productivity and innovation. Challenges push people to evolve. While many today seek comfort and ease, true growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and face adversity head-on.

Final Thoughts

Warren Buffett’s simple conversation about Snickers highlights a crucial point: While trends, markets, and technology change, fundamental human behaviors and timeless principles remain the same. By focusing on these constants—preparation over prediction, realistic expectations, sustainable growth, and resilience—we can navigate life more effectively.

So, rather than chasing the latest trends, focus on what truly matters. Whether in business, personal development, or investing, these lessons will remain relevant not just today, but for decades to come.