Rules for Living

1. Anything that is worth doing is worth doing well.

2. The great essentials of happiness are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

3. Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it counts more than what you say.

4. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word about somebody.

5. Praise good work, regardless of who did it. If criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, not spitefully.

6. Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully no matter what it costs.

7. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work, their homes and families. Make merry with those who rejoice, with those who weep, mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble feel that you regard him as a person of importance.

8. Be cheerful. Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of a load.

9. Keep an open mind. Discuss, but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.

10. Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe them. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting.

11. Don't be too anxious about the credit due you.

12. Do your best, and be patient. Forget about yourself, and let
others "remember." Success is much sweeter that way.

13. Observe and get to know where it hurts, then don't use it to hurt or abuse anybody.

14. Let argguments fly out open windows. Give no answer to contentious arguments or irresponsible accusations. Let such things fly out open windows until they spend themselves. If you try to answer or reason back, you only serve to gratify and ignite pent-up hostility and anger.

15. Do not complain about anything to which you need not subject yourself.

16. Do not harm little children.

17. Refrain from saying the unkind or negative thing, particularly when provoked or fatigued.

18. Do not give opinion or advice unless you are asked.

19. Do not tell your troubles to others unless you are sure they want to hear them.

20. When in another's house, show him/her respect; or else do not go there.

21. Do not take that which does not belong to you unless it is a burden to the person and he cries out to be relieved.