The other question which I think is important and worth discussing is the value we place (or don't) on capital preservation.
I always have in mind a base level of capital where I know that - even with very low interest rates - if I convert completely to cash, I can still generate more than enough to live on.
Doing this eliminates that ghastly fear that markets will keep on dropping, more even than the recent 50%..
The problem with total security is ...... BOREDOM. My main investment is in property. It is reliable and profitable but it is almost as boring as bank deposits. The stock market keeps my mind active well past the state of my body. It is a challenge and that is worth as much to me as any profit. I do agree that one should not invest, with risk, more than you are prepared to lose. That is why I trade/invest on fundamentals.