In a few days I will turn 73, so again on my birthday, I offer an additional set of 101 bits of advice I wished I had known earlier.
— “101 Additional Advices,” by Kevin Kelley
You should read them all, but here are my five favorites:
- Asking “what-if?” about your past is a waste of time; asking “what-if?” about your future is tremendously productive.
- Where you live—what city, what country—has more impact on your well-being than any other factor. Where you live is one of the few things in your life you can choose and change.
- When you are stuck or overwhelmed, focus on the smallest possible thing that moves your project forward.
- Strong opinions, clearly stated but loosely held, are the recipe for an intellectual life. Always ask yourself: what would change my mind?
- Always be radically honest, but use your honesty as a gift, not as a weapon. Your honesty should benefit others.