Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#1

Post by bherms » Sat, Jan 22, 2011, 11:14 PM UTC

I'm the CTO for a non-profit that mentors kids in high school to help them discover their passions early in life. When I talk to the kids I mentor and give advice to, I always try my best to impart my most important words of wisdom to them. Throughout my own life, several people have passed on principles, words to live by, and advice that has helped shape who I am today.

I sat down tonight and started writing out different things that I use to guide myself through life. I thought it would be a good idea to keep a list that I can pass on to kids and, someday, my own children.

While I was writing this stuff down, I thought getting input from the HN community could be a very valuable exercise. With so many intelligent, successful, and thoughtful people, I think we could really build an awesome list.

So, please contribute your words of wisdom, principles to live by, or anecdotes that have guided you in life. I'll start with a few of the most important to me in the comments. After a week or so, I'll compile these into a webpage and get it online. Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#2

Post by bherms » Sat, Jan 22, 2011, 11:19 PM UTC

1) Try to improve yourself in some way every single day. Even if it's the smallest thing, making a conscious effort to be a better person in some way will put you far ahead of most people.

2) Make a strong effort to always leave things better than you found them. A fraternity advisor issued a challenge to me my freshman year. He challenged me to be able to look myself in a mirror at the end of my college career and be able to say that the organization is better for my having been there. I now challenge myself to this with all that I touch.

3) When being criticized, keep your calm and listen. If you result to defensiveness, you'll miss the point. Listen, reflect, and then form your opinions. Criticism is generally not meant as an attack, but comes from people trying to help you.

4) It's better to fail chasing your dreams than to succeed in not.

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#3

Post by cperciva » Sat, Jan 22, 2011, 11:28 PM UTC

Learning is like money: You might not know exactly when you're going to use it, but sooner or later you'll be glad that you acquired it.

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#4

Post by highlander » Sat, Jan 22, 2011, 11:44 PM UTC

1. The answer to "What do you do?" is "Whatever it takes". 2. What do you want to achieve? Figure out the gap between where you are now and achieving it. Figure out the first step, however small you can take that'll bring you closer. Take it. 3. Look after your body and your health. This may sound boring but this can make _such_ a massive difference to your life. Eat well and get fit. Do weights and cardio if you can. Your health, your confidence and your prospects in general will be greatly improved. 4. Drive hard towards your goals but live a balanced life. Enjoy your friends and your family and keep learning broadly throughout your life. 5. Old cliche but important - treat others as you would wish to be treated.

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#5

Post by mikecane » Sat, Jan 22, 2011, 11:56 PM UTC

Find out what you really like to do. Then find a way to make money from it.

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#6

Post by haasted » Sun, Jan 23, 2011, 12:26 AM UTC

Determine never to be idle. -- Thomas Jefferson

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#7

Post by DarrenLehane » Sun, Jan 23, 2011, 12:30 AM UTC

"It always seems impossible until it's done"

and

"Luck is what you make it"

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#8

Post by cheae » Sun, Jan 23, 2011, 1:54 AM UTC

1. Have a clear vision about what do you want out of your life? 2. Don't worry too much if you yet to find how to get there. Be in constant search for the "How" 3. Never ever compare yourself with other people. Set your own standards and live accordingly.

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#9

Post by solipsist » Sun, Jan 23, 2011, 2:07 AM UTC

Be happy - that's the ultimate goal in life. The way you find it is up to you.

Re: Ask HN: Your words of wisdom to live by?

#10

Post by komlenic » Sun, Jan 23, 2011, 2:10 AM UTC

Under-promise and over-deliver.

Never attribute to malice, that which can be attributed to ________.

Your true friends are those who care how your life turns out.

Genuinely asking someone "How does that make you feel?" or "How do you feel about X?" will make you instantly likable, diffuse almost any tension, defensiveness, or aggression, and is always appropriate when you don't know what to say.