The Little Book of Common Sense Investing

by John C. Bogle
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Business and Economics
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Waterstones
Hardback • £21.00
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 10938
  • Added: 2026-02-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781119404521
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published: 2017-09-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is a renowned guide to smart investing, authored by mutual fund pioneer John C. Bogle. Bogle advocates for a simple yet effective strategy: investing in low-cost index funds that track broad stock market indices like the S&P 500. This approach ensures that investors receive their fair share of market returns without the risks associated with individual stocks or active management. The book has been updated to include new data and insights, maintaining its long-term perspective and relevance. Bogle's principles have stood the test of time, even through market fluctuations, and are supported by financial luminaries like Warren Buffett. The tenth anniversary edition adds new chapters on asset allocation and retirement investing, providing further guidance to investors. /n/n Bogle's strategy focuses on building a diversified, low-cost portfolio that leverages the power of compounding returns while minimizing costs. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the sources of stock returns and setting rational expectations. It also highlights the pitfalls of frequent trading and the benefits of a passive investment approach. With endorsements from top financial minds, this book is a solid guide for anyone looking to secure their financial future through common sense investing principles.

Reviews
The Poor Swiss · Mr. The Poor Swiss · 2026-01-12
good 3.00

The book is a solid introduction to passive investing, but it can be repetitive and lacks depth on certain topics. It's a good starting point for those new to index funds.

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing provides a clear and concise introduction to the world of passive investing. The author, John Bogle, is a pioneer in the field, and his insights are valuable for anyone looking to understand the basics of index funds. However, the book can be somewhat repetitive, and it may not offer enough depth for those who are already familiar with the concepts. It's a good starting point, especially for beginners, but it might not be as enlightening for more experienced investors. The emphasis on low-cost index funds is a recurring theme, and while it's a crucial message, it's delivered in a way that can feel redundant at times. Overall, it's a good book, but it might not be the most comprehensive guide available.

Quick quotes

    Overall, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing is good.

    If you already think that passive index funds are better than active funds or stock picking, you might find this book a bit repetitive.

    It's one of the better investing books I've read, but it could use more depth on certain topics.

Investment News · 2026-01-11
timeless 4.50

The book remains a timeless roadmap to long-term wealth building, emphasizing the importance of low-cost index funds. It's a must-read for any investor.

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle is often regarded as a timeless investment guide. The book's emphasis on low-cost index funds and long-term wealth building is a message that continues to resonate with investors today. For many, it serves as a clear roadmap to navigating the complexities of the market. The author's insights are particularly valuable for those looking to build a solid foundation in their investment strategy. The book's timeless advice makes it a must-read, regardless of the current market conditions. It's a book that can help investors stay focused on their long-term goals, even in the face of short-term market fluctuations. The simplicity and clarity of the message are what make this book so enduring.

Quick quotes

    For many investors, The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle remains one of the clearest roadmaps to long-term wealth building.

    The author's insights are particularly valuable for those looking to build a solid foundation in their investment strategy.

    The book's timeless advice makes it a must-read, regardless of the current market conditions.

Celly Hikes · 2025-06-08
practical 3.50

The book is a good read but becomes repetitive towards the end. It effectively argues for the superiority of index investing.

Celly Hikes enjoyed reading the book and found it to be a compelling argument for index investing. They appreciated the clear and practical advice provided. However, they noted that the book tends to repeat its main points towards the end, which might make it feel a bit drawn out. Despite this, the core message is strong and well-supported.

Quick quotes

    Overall, it was a good read, though I found it somewhat repetitive towards the end.

    It's a clear, practical review of Bogle's Common Sense Investing.

    The book effectively explains why low-cost index funds beat active strategies long-term.

Reddit - Bogleheads · 2021-03-01
great 4.00

The book is essentially a long essay that compiles great data and quotations on the benefits of index investing. It is considered a great resource for understanding the superiority of index investing.

The Reddit community on Bogleheads highly recommends this book as a comprehensive guide to index investing. They appreciate the wealth of data and quotations that support the argument for passive investing. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the advantages of index funds over active strategies. Overall, it's a great read for both beginners and those looking to deepen their knowledge.

Quick quotes

    It's basically a long essay pulling together a lot of great data and quotations on the superiority of index investing.

    I think it's a great resource for understanding the benefits of index investing.

    The book is a must-read for anyone interested in passive investing.

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