Chapter 1 Preface

The goal of this writing is to summarize a set of rules that I believe to be important and beneficial to follow while making personal decisions. Most are obvious principles, but they are sometimes overlooked. So, I believe it is helpful to remember and repeat what’s important.

To explain my view with an analogy: Principles serve as a compass that, in a dark tunnel where the road ahead is unclear, can help find the right way out, without getting lost. So, I say follow the compass when in doubt.

Overall, this is meant to be a practical guide, aiming for what is best personally and “what can help” rather than prescribing morals on “what should”. Since I believe actions are ultimately what counts, I expressed the principles in the form of actionable terms, with pointers for further concepts to learn.

With these in mind, the first principle and a warning to follow:

1.1 Principle of Advice

Take all advice with a grain of salt, think critically and assess limitations.
Realize there is no single answer, multiple paths can reach the same destination.
But, don’t ignore what is obvious. If everywhere smells shit, look under your shoe.
Most importantly, live and be true to yourself.