some contributio critics. when you short a stock there are a large number of people on the other side who don't like what you're doing. certainly the company is fighting back. >> rose: characterize yourself. there are people saying he's the most optimistic guy, he believes, he prevails, all of that. >> i've seen very few people accomplish something unless they're an optimist. in the investing business you need a high degree of confidence but you also need a high degree of bum helness and you have to balance those two. >> rose: where is the humbleness. >> humbleness comes from mistakes. j.c. penny has been a big disappointment and you learn from mistakes like that. general growth has been an incredible success. you need to do a sufficient amount of research and homework and when you place your bet you have confidence-- a business you can look very silly before you're proven right. i looked very sill nem.b.i.a., and there was a lot of scrutiny in the press -- >> did you ever doubt...