I've been working on this list, trying to whittle it down to something simple. The first list was ambitious, and not unlike the inner workings of my brain, a bit abstract. Not that there's anything wrong with abstract thinking. But, abstract ideas only work when they are tied to something concrete... that is, theories that can only remain theories are pointless.
So, here we are. The updated list.
1. Do No Harm. Ever. I don't know how to simplify this. Violence begats violence and never creates anything lasting or positive. And the use of violence -- either actual or implied -- to force your ideas on other people helps to create stupid people.
2. Wear Clean Socks. I can't recommend this highly enough. If you must wear socks, either because you have a job that requires it or because it's cold, make sure they're clean. You can be a week beyond the need for a good bath, your clothes can be rags, and you could look like an extra from a zombie movie. But if you're wearing clean socks, you just feel like better. Trust me.
3. Read something non-essential everyday. People who read are less likely to develop Alzheimer's later. They're also less likely to be stupid.
4. Don't live any further from a bar than a 20-30 minute walk or 40 minute bus ride, unless you know you have a ride. Seriously. And if all else fails, drink at home. It's cheaper, anyway.
5. Never offend a bartender, secretary, or janitor. They run the world. Deal with it.
6. Be kind to all critters smaller than yourself.
7. Only apologize when it's sincere, and never subjugate your will to the whims of others. Another consolidation of two previous rules. The only thing a person has in this life that's worth a damn is integrity. Let the bastards take that and nothing else matters.
8. Be honest. Even if it hurts. It often does.
9. You know you had a good day when you can sleep that night. Really. Any other qualification is false advertising.
10. The only thing you have to do in life is die. Everything else is an option.
So, here we are. The updated list.
1. Do No Harm. Ever. I don't know how to simplify this. Violence begats violence and never creates anything lasting or positive. And the use of violence -- either actual or implied -- to force your ideas on other people helps to create stupid people.
2. Wear Clean Socks. I can't recommend this highly enough. If you must wear socks, either because you have a job that requires it or because it's cold, make sure they're clean. You can be a week beyond the need for a good bath, your clothes can be rags, and you could look like an extra from a zombie movie. But if you're wearing clean socks, you just feel like better. Trust me.
3. Read something non-essential everyday. People who read are less likely to develop Alzheimer's later. They're also less likely to be stupid.
4. Don't live any further from a bar than a 20-30 minute walk or 40 minute bus ride, unless you know you have a ride. Seriously. And if all else fails, drink at home. It's cheaper, anyway.
5. Never offend a bartender, secretary, or janitor. They run the world. Deal with it.
6. Be kind to all critters smaller than yourself.
7. Only apologize when it's sincere, and never subjugate your will to the whims of others. Another consolidation of two previous rules. The only thing a person has in this life that's worth a damn is integrity. Let the bastards take that and nothing else matters.
8. Be honest. Even if it hurts. It often does.
9. You know you had a good day when you can sleep that night. Really. Any other qualification is false advertising.
10. The only thing you have to do in life is die. Everything else is an option.