| Dear friend, I grew up in a very religious Baptist family, so without fail, we went to church every Sunday. Of course for me, as for any warm-blooded, pre-pubescent boy, sitting still for over an hour was a challenge. But since my mind wasn’t exactly occupied with prayer and devotion, I had time to look around and make some observations about the other churchgoers. One thing I noticed about them was that many attended church not because they were such fervent believers... but because of the community aspect. This was the place where they met their friends and neighbors, and after church there’d always be groups of people standing outside and chatting for ten, fifteen minutes before dispersing. For many elderly parishioners, it was the highlight of their week. I think a lot about community and what it means for us humans. We are by nature social creatures—even those of us who deem themselves individualists. It is a deep-seated need of the human race to find kindred spirits, to feel understood and accepted. There is no feeling quite as delicious as when somebody truly “gets you” and likes you just the way you are. We all want this in our families. But in our business lives, unfortunately it often falls by the wayside. That’s why I would like you to join the Alpha Society today. I think the reason that Alpha Society members are so full of praise for our most exclusive club is not just the sheer benefits it provides them (and there are many). It’s also the feeling of being a part of a group that “gets you,” people who share similar views about life, success, wealth, and personal freedom. And it’s not just the feel-good aspect of it all. One Harvard study showed that up to 95% of your success or failure in life will be determined by the kind of people you habitually associate with. That’s huge—and all the more reason to surround yourself with people of quality and class. If you want to join us, please fill out a membership application now. There’s not much time before this invitation expires. I’ll see you on the other side! Your hopeful to see you as a new member at the next SIC analyst, John Mauldin
Co-founder
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