Here's a tale from way back in 1894 that'll make you think. Picture this: a steamboat captain heads into town to kill time while his crew loads cargo. Hours pass. His first mate tracks him down and finds him hunched over a poker table, chips dwindling with every deal.

The mate leans in close and mutters, "Captain, you gotta know this game's rigged."

The captain doesn't even look up. Just keeps sliding his bet forward. "Yeah, I know," he says flatly. "But it's the only game in town."

That line hits different when you think about markets, doesn't it? Sometimes you play knowing the deck's stacked. Not because you're foolish. Because walking away means sitting out entirely.