Trading Beyond the Matrix: The Red Pill for Traders and Investors

by Van K. Tharp

Praise for Trading Beyond the Matrix " Trading Beyond the Matrix provides all the elements of what is required to transform yourself into a great trader. Dr. Tharp not only provides all the necessary material but shares the experiences of others that have had success implementing his methods. I have been a professional trader for over 25 years and this process is not common knowledge—let it become your advantage in the markets. Through Tharp Think, and the four levels of transformation, one can reach new heights of success in trading and in life. Let the journey begin."
—KIRK COOPER, BMath, CFA, MTP, former Senior Vice President Quantitative Trading, Fiera Quantum "For the better part of two decades I set myself to the task of beating the markets by attempting to master valuation, price charts, and economics but was rewarded with little success. Dr. Tharp was the only person to introduce me to the idea that my real edge was in mastering myself and through that mastery I have realized very real success. Trading Beyond the Matrix lays out the process for learning to master yourself and achieving your goals."
—NATHAN ROWADER, Senior Portfolio Manager at Forward Management " Trading Beyond the Matrix provides a wealth of information about the psychological side of trading. The stories of transformations of successful traders are an inspiration for everyone who wants to raise his trading performance to a new level by using the guidelines and exercises of Dr. Van Tharp."
—ROBERT VAN PARIDON, former CEO ABN AMRO Securities Inc. USA " Trading Beyond the Matrix , more than any other of Van's great books, reflects his personal journey. The stories of trading and personal transformation illustrate what 'transformation through a trading metaphor' means. They are inspirational and offer practical guidance and applications that will improve both you and your trading."
—MALCOLM PRYOR, author of the UK bestseller The Financial Spread Betting Handbook "Tharp saw long ago that successful trading had far more to do with the trader than with the trade itself. Tharp shows us that those traders who are in the highest states of consciousness will naturally be the most successful, not only at trading, but at life as a whole. He gives us a clear set of guidelines and exercises to help us to achieve this new expanded conscious awareness and show us how to achieve happiness on all physical, emotional, and spiritual. Trading Beyond the Matrix is a book for everyone. I particularly wish to encourage my many friends in the spiritual community to take advantage of Van Tharp's deep insights about the relationship of matter and spirit."
—STUART MOONEY, author of American Buddha and day trader "Transitioning to the mental side of trading seemed easy for me. For many, that is not the case and here's where Trading Beyond the Matrix excels. The reader can relate to the stories about actual successful traders who have overcome their own biases, beliefs, and surroundings that held them back from success and how each trader has to figure that out and deal with it before becoming successful."
—TOM BASSO, New Market Wizard and founder of Trendstat Capital Management, Inc.

Genres: Finance, Psychology, Business, Audiobook, Nonfiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published February 19, 2013

Reviews

[Andrew Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolute garbage.

The beginning of the book is a long repetitious series of testimonials from his former students of his super expensive trading school trying to sell you his product "the super trader program".
If you didnt throw this book in the bin after that, you were lucky enough to be treated to hours of total trash on self transformation and schizophrenic level multiple personality weirdness, couple with his tendancy to waffle on about "oneness blessing givers" and list all of the "miracles in his life.

Total cringe of a book, really truly the worst trading/finance work I have come across.

I have never felt so ripped off by a book in my life. F you Van Tharp.

[Martin · Rating 1 out of 5]

The start of the book seemed promising and it looked like there would be takeaways which could be applied to trading and improving trading. But then I started having a feeling that the book was a poor pitch for ridiculously overpriced Supertrader courses ($75,000 for a course is ridiculous; how desperate one must be to pay this to "achieve 95% accuracy in trading"?). Then the God-Buddhism mix irritated me a lot. My impression: miserable, unhappy, and suicidal people take $75,000 course and become successful, happy and super traders... Why I do not (and cannot) believe this narrative?
A chapter where god is in your hand telling you that he wants you to be rich is a prosperity gospel. You can go and listen to Joel Osteen. Some of the testimonies of unhappy people who miraculously became trading geniuses were truly laughable. I understand that psychology is important when trading but this book stressed it over the edge in my opinion. If you are looking for a decent sober assessment of how to become a successful trader and master yourself in trading, skip this book. There are only a few moments where you can hear what you need to hear (like the beginning of chapter 17) but it ends there. No further help or advice. All you will be hearing is testimonies of people who took "peak performance course", "TFM, course", "ACIM" course, this and that course... and after spending thousands on all sorts of courses they realized they needed to spend additional $75k on a super trader course. If you need to spend this money on a course in order to be a successful trader, then do not trade. It is not for you. Rather, if you have that money, take it, and trade it. Trade it small, regularly and often. Practice, practice, and practice, was probably the best advice in this book so far. I think, I finished the book just because of the narrator. He was good. The rest was a ballast.

[Piotr Karaś · Rating 5 out of 5]

The psychological work can be daunting, and it's certainly challenging. At least that's what I've been reminded of reading this book by Van K. Tharp. I can see there's still a lot for me to be done in order to be well prepared for trading. The spiritual growth is not just a side project for the few who fancy it; it's a real source of edge for any trader. I've gained lots of valuable insights for my personal development and growth, reflected in numerous highlights and my mind spinning around those concepts all the time. By the time I've read the book, I managed to solve some personal issues, got rid of certain negative thought patterns and behaviors, having much more clarity as to what to do next in my trading endeavor.

[Robert Rhau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider this book to be one of my bibles. Really has transformed my life even more so as well as my trading. Some people may consider this to be out there but if you really want to succeed as an investor that's what I feel like it takes. My trading has improved considerably by applying his concepts and methods in my life daily. All in all it is an amazing book!

[Javier Villar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike any other trading book. It reckons that trading is an inner game from the beginning to the end and that inner work is needed. The formula it provides is too complex for me, for I rely on surrendering to the will of God, and not so much in the control of the process; but it won't be me who speaks against personal inventory.

Van Tharp is the best trading author, without a doubt.

[Tony WANG · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am truly flabbergasted by the inconsistency of Van Tharp. This book is such a ripoff. I am almost lost for words approaching the end of the book. Not only did I wasted my precious time, I also walked away with literally nothing. I have read both of his previous books and I thought they were really decent (his first book was also one of my favourite trading book) however, this book is read like it was written by another author.

There are so many issues in this book. So much mumbo jumbo. It was so messed up. It almost felt like Van Tharp was brainwashed or have gone mad ever since his first book. WHY do you have to bring religion into trading?! Whilst I agree that trading can be a deeply spiritual endeavour BUT that doesn't meant one has to follow any religious BS! Such as "g0d" or "grander meaning in life" and blah blah blah. What a bunch of bollocks.

Secondly, the outrageously titled book not only is cliche, but is also extremely toxic. "Matrix"?!.. "Red Pill"?!.. what wishy-washy nonsense. The book almost contains everything about testimonial from his past students about how "great" his trading courses and programmes have changed his/her life. There are endless preaching and reference to the readers to check out his "supertrader" trading course etc. Nothing but sales pitch to lure his readers into his predatory services. Totally not what a book like this is supposed to be written for - to educate and to teach trading psychology, like his previous books. What a fraud.

This is hands down is one of the most useless redundant waste-of-space of a trading book that I have ever read. 0/5 if I can give it a zero star, still overrated. This book is so F up that I have to write this review to warn fellow traders and investors.

[Brandi Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for everyone. Those that issues with self realization and actually doing the work to overcome your programming will cringe and squirm at the absolute mechanizations of transforming into a success at whatever you choose🏌️‍♀️📊

The book is a collection of experiences by those in Tharps super trader program. I am in no position to invest in the program but I do know that if I was I would apply!

The book gives applicable step-by-step exercises to complete and turn you into a trader that makes money or golfer who can go low. I know because I’m doing it.

A fixed mindset person will not enjoy this book and think it was hooey.

I for one believe in the woo woo of oneness and miracles and transformations and God and myself and this book has helped me tremendously,

Thank you Van Tharp!

[Paul Bard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Tharp overstates his case for consciousness being the main factor in money. I think it's important but not everything, as Tharp seems to imply.

I think the book is good for an absolute beginner.

As a source of common sense bromides for trading it is useful. The chapters on consciousness are practical enough.

I feel like the tone is a bit egotistical. The content is okay.

[Michael Malstrom · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of fluff and testimonials trying to push you to sign up for his "Super trader program", rehashing same stuff written in dozens of other trading books.

Also some hilarious quotes "what Dr Tharp calls 'expectancy'" - bro, you did not invent statistical expectancy. Gave up after 1 hour of listening to it. Read "Best Loser Wins" instead, much better and more actionable.

[Tuan.Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trading book without any trading strategy but a deep self understanding which could help you lift up your soul, trade happily & purposely and most importantly live your life in your way.

[Ifor Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Religious!

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

What did I just read? Very bad. Almost no direct relevance to trading. Repeated paragraphs.

[Joel Figueroa López · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not expecting this book to be, for the most part, about how "Oneness" (some weird Buddhism) can help you be a better trader. Absolute nonsense.

[Dax Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Not the greatest.

[Nai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed me to take my trading discipline to the next level.

[Nate Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book about the power of good psychology in trading. Lots of spirituality type ideas, format of book is mostly testimonials. Pretty interesting.

[Glenn Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're at a crossroads on your trading path, this book can take you to the next level. And it does it in a way that seeks to free oneself from blocks holding back success in trading, and life. In this book, Van Tharp takes a big risk in letting his students tell their story, and also teach a point or two along the way. Not everyone will like this, yet I found the student stories the most helpful. You get to see that everyone starts at the same place, mostly makes the same mistakes and then grows from there. Growing is a choice. It lays out a process what I've avoided for years... doing the deep work. There is plenty here to find something that helps. I've worked with all of the processes in the book and some resonated more than others. Great. That's what a book like this is for, it's what I needed.

And let's not avoid what needs to be said: this book goes deep into psychology and spirituality. Let's face it, once you get past the basics of chart mechanics, systems and strategies, trading markets is all about psychology. Even if you struggle with that notion, I suggest you give it a try anyway.

[Barnavy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has changed my perspective on life like I never thought it would have. I am going to follow Van Tharp's advice and begin to work on myself with much more focus. I never thought about the psychological and emotional aspect of trading until I read this book but it really does make so much sense. It is definitely a great read and can change your life if you are open to applying Van's strategies in this book. Most don't realize the work that it takes to be a great trader but Van makes it very clear how much hard work is involved in this profession but he also shows the benefits of putting in the work. I will be continuously going back through the pages of this book to grasp the information in its entirety so I can apply it to my life and trading.

[ex ex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but a little "woo-woo" near the end. Expanding consciousness and clearing internal friction while using trading the markets as the metaphor. Tharp was one of the original Market Wizards interviewed by Jack Schwager back in the 90s and has been working at helping traders get better results for almost 40 years, give or take. This is an advanced book and I got alot out of it. Adding to that, Tharp tells you in the beginning that you don't have to use everything he teaches but just what rings true for you but keep an open mind. Great advice worth repeating as you take on the lesson from his book. Good stuff.

[Russ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the book is spent on transcendental transformation. I didn't get it. The first section of the book offers some useful insight into trading psychology. The Van Tharp method as expressed here takes a full buy in which is an odd thing to teach to short term traders. I would have skipped the book and maybe read one of his earlier books.

[Cynthia Ganga · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible.

The other books that he wrote before his death in 2022 were solid with information.

Before his death he seemed to be selling happiness classes through his Van Thap Institute from Indian Gurus that were EXPENSIVE!

The truth is that there are exceptional teachers of meditation, energy work who are not money hungry gurus.

This book is silliness.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heavily psychological. Shows how your beliefs affect your ability to see the market clearly. Multiple chapters on Tharp's clients who have gone through transformation to successful traders. Gives you exactly what you need to do. Note: Alot of spirituality.

[Boekenplank]

Paul Har

[TradingEcology · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains a good of understanding the real thing in trading.