Rules for success and survival

I was working security at an event last night and we were talking about the future and the uncertainty of present life and a young woman asked me what I thought the most important things for success and survival were.  I was surprised at the question, but this is what I said:


1.  Work to develop a few good friendships with people you trust and people who trust you.  It is difficult and most people are dishonest, and deceitful.  Find people that you respect and value their opinion.  Find people that will help you out when you are in trouble.  Find people that you will want to help out when they are in trouble.  All of life in USA America works to destroy your supportive and trusting relationships, so it is imperative that you give top priority to having solid network of good friends and relations.

2.   Always learn new things.  Read a book.  Take a class.  Keep reading and studying new material.  Keep appraised of current events and develop your natural abilities.  Don't just sit around complacently wasting time, but make your time count.  Life is short and it is a big Universe.  Learn a new skill, practice a skill you already have, listen, read, exercise, think, ponder, share, create.  Make every minute count and don't be lazy.  Stay busy with enjoyable and productive effort your entire life.

3.  Be honest and straight and true.  Strive to be honest and honorable in everything you do.  If you try to cheat or steal, your dishonesty will always catch up with you.  It will be difficult to keep track of all the lies and half truths, and eventually you will be exposed.  It is much easier to always be honest and straight and true.  Do what you say.  Say what you mean.  Don't cheat or steal.  Respect people and deal with them fairly and squarely.  Don't tell half lies or half truths.  Walk the straight and narrow with good posture and concentrate primarily on monitoring your own behavior.  It is less work, less stress, and you will live a longer life with more genuine happiness if you strive for gentle honesty and genuine truth.



copyright (c) 2018
William Schaeffer