If you had to create 10 rules to follow for your own life, what would they be?
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this over the years- writing, editing and drinking copious amounts of caffeine to get there- but I finally came to 10 based on the values most important to me.
Here are 10 rules for life- thanks to one of my favorite writers, Bertrand Russell, for inspiring many of these.
- 1- Read incessantly. Read fiction to enrich your imagination and nonfiction to expand your knowledge of the world.
- 2- Always doubt and never stop questioning. Never feel absolutely certain of anything.
- 3- Tell the people you love that you love them. Hatred is foolish, let it go.
- 4- Be truthful even if it’s inconvenient. Lying is the royal road to chaos.
- 5- Be open to eccentric opinions. Something that is considered absurd today may become common sense tomorrow.
- 6- Take chances. Don’t regret avoiding the new and unfamiliar.
- 7- Don’t be afraid to suffer through discipline. Sacrificing short term pleasures is often a road to happiness.
- 8- Enjoy the ordinary days. You can only have one worst day of your life.
- 9- Listen carefully. Overcome disagreement by thinking slowly and controlling your emotions.
- 10- Never stop creating. Give yourself the experience of discovery and imagination. And then when you’re ready, share it with the world.