Meerkats are observant and curious about the outside world due to a keen sense of self-preservation.  The tendency towards altruism within the immediate peer group is quite coherent with this objective – by sharing watch duties they are more effective individually and as a group.  Meerkats are also aware that they are in control of nothing and therefore need to be prepared, always looking for trouble on the horizon.   Meerkatonomics implies a healthy respect for the random, reflexive and unstable nature of capital markets.  Its cousin, the Kutosov Principle, holds similar views about markets but suggests decisive action when, and only when, an opportunity presents itself.