In "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine," author Michael Lewis critiques the financial experts involved in the 2008 financial crisis. He suggests that these individuals possessed just enough knowledge to fulfill their roles without truly understanding the complex risks they were managing. This limited comprehension contributed to the widespread financial miscalculations that led to the economic collapse.
The quote, "They appeared to know enough to justify their jobs, and nothing more," encapsulates the notion that many professionals in the finance sector were more concerned with maintaining their positions than truly grasping the intricacies of the market. This superficial engagement highlights a systemic issue within the industry, showing how a lack of in-depth understanding can have disastrous consequences.