Ten Tips

1.) Always carry a watch, a wallet and a pen. As for women, carry
some equivalent and... frankly, a wallet's not a bad idea.

2.) When driving, always check your blind spot. Statistically, it could
very well save your life.

3.) When possible, mantain a friendly and zen disposition. It's amazing
what people will do for you; today, employees at two official
businesses wouldn't take my money.

4.) Be firm but kind toward children. They are not angels; they require
example and discipline. This society's inconsistent, overly indulgent
attitude toward children will present a great problem.

5.) Do not take a risk unless you feel very confident about it but
don't wait to be certain. This precise balance is really the only way
to rise much in the world.

6.) Do not trust society more than you have to. By assuming that
mainstream society is right, you are making yourself responsible for
its actions and you could very well pay the price for its mistakes. For
instance, when a new scientific study comes out saying that something
is good or bad for you, take it into account but take it with a grain
of salt.

7.) Be careful about learning things you don't need to know. It may
sound fun and adventurous to learn Polynesian but it will clutter your
mind.

8.) Likewise, do not undertake any task that you are not fully decided
upon. If you get only a third of the way through a novel, for instance,
you've wasted valuable hours because the real value of a novel is in
the unity from start to finish.

9.) Do not mistake words for realities. Language is highly useful but
highly imperfect. Words like "freedom," "economy," even "up," are all
imprecise. Live in the "show me state."

10.) There are many things far beyond a person's comprehension. Accept
that you cannot be in control of much. Keep your cool, mantain your zen
and slide on through.