As you've discovered, it isn't that difficult to self-educate on the business of finance, stocks, shares, company and corporation structure et al. What prevents people from looking the finance industry in a cool, objective manner is the get-rich-quick mythology that adheres to this business. Those who do well watch companies, commodities, politics, social structures, international trade and events and make considered decisions on what to buy and sell. Some are extremely talented at this, others have to work harder and fail more often. But it isn't the suit equivalent of Vegas or the lottery and those who get burned frequently treat it as.