Everyone knows that "nine out of ten gamblers lose,"

but when entering the market, everyone assumes they are the "one."

Why is it that we understand rationally, but emotionally refuse to believe it?

1. The brain naturally flatters itself

In psychology, this is called the better-than-average effect:

- 80% of people think their looks are above average

- 80% think their emotional intelligence is above average

- 80% think their stock trading skills are above average

This is a self-protection mechanism hardwired into our genes. It's not that you're stupid; everyone is like this.

2. Asymmetry between gains and losses amplifies illusions

- Win once: I'm so good, I have talent

- Lose ten times: Bad luck, the market is rigged, got shaken out by the big players

The brain automatically filters out failures and only remembers successes.

3. Options/short-term trading are the strongest illusion generators

Doubling your money in a few days is too common,

people mistake luck for ability,

and chance for a pattern.

The cruelest mathematical reality

- Even if your win rate is 80% each time

- The probability of being wrong at least once in 5 consecutive trades ≈ 67%

- The probability of being wrong at least once in 10 consecutive trades ≈ 89%

As long as you don't cut losses, as long as you use leverage, as long as you play long-term,

one big loss can wipe out all previous profits.

The most insightful final sentence

The stock market, options, all speculative markets,

don't make money from market trends,

they make money from "everyone thinking they are the exception."

Being clear-headed enough to reach this point

already helps you avoid 90% of the pitfalls.