1. Wisdom is prevention.
2. The fundamental algorithm of life: repeat what works.
3. The wise of every generation discover the same truths.
4. Avoid distraction.
5. Spend time thinking.
6. Position yourself for opportunity.
7. Invert: Much of success comes from simply avoiding common paths to failure.
8. Avoiding stupidity is easier than seeking brilliance.
9. The weakest link causes the problem.
Failure is rarely the result of some isolated event. Rather, it is a consequence of a long list of accumulated little failures which happen as a result of too little discipline. Failure occurs each time we fail to think β¦ today, act β¦ today, care, strive, climb, learn, or just keep going β¦ today. If your goal requires that today you write ten letters and you write only three, you are behind by seven letters β¦ today. If you commit yourself to making five phone calls and you make only one, you are behind by four phone calls β¦ today. If your financial plan requires that you save ten dollars and you save none, you are behind ten dollars β¦ today. The danger comes when we look at a day squandered and conclude that no harm has been done. After all, it was just one day. But add up these days to make a year and then add up these years to make a lifetime and perhaps you can now see how repeating todayβs small failures can easily turn your life into a major disaster.
When you start caring more about credit than truth, your judgment decays.
The scientist racing to publish first overlooks crucial evidence that doesn't fit their story. The writer chasing popularity loses what made their voice worth hearing.
The strange thing is that recognition comes most reliably to those who forget about it and focus simply on seeing clearly.
