I think with the exception of U.S. retirees the stereotypical retail investors would consider stock-picking only for growth, not passive income. To them, a stock is either high return or nothing.

They ask me “If not attracted by quick profit or windfall profit, then why stock-picking? Why not some other assets?” They hear about dividend investors’ stories, and value-investing stories, but most of them decide to focus on high growth stocks.

Kun.H said “dividend is a secondary attraction/motivation.” The main reason to consider any stock is invariably capital appreciation, hopefully a windfall. Kun is more intellectual and more analytical than other retail investors. His comments are articulate. I think his views represent many intelligent, well-read investor.

Tianjue said many investors have a reasonable, human desire beyond stable, dependable dividend. I guess it’s a higher desire for … windfall profit! I guess it’s similar to higher desires like lottery, bigger home, top college,,,,, These higher desires drive up hot asset valuation to unreasonable levels.

Because these desires are based mostly on emotion, they can become irrational. Compare to Value investing.

Consider investing $500 into 25 growth stocks. To support firewall and buy-n-forget, I would need to limit each position to below $20. Beware of the risk of temptation.