Top 10 Things You Need to Know in Life: Lessons to Live By

Life is short, and we all want to make the most out of it. However, with so many ideas and advice out there, it’s tough to know which path to take. What are the top 10 things we need to know in life? Justin Freeman, a writer on Quora, has shared some insightful advice that we can all benefit from. Let’s break down these rules and see how we can apply them in our lives.

1. Realize that nobody cares, and if they do, you shouldn’t care that they care.

In the age of social media, it’s easy to get caught up in what others think of us. We want to be liked, to be followed, to be retweeted. However, the truth is, most people don’t care about what we do. Even if they do, their interest is often short-lived. As Freeman puts it, “Don’t base your happiness on people’s caring, because they won’t.” What matters in life is how we feel about ourselves and the people who genuinely care for us.

2. Some rule breakers will break rule number one.

Just because most people don’t care doesn’t mean that nobody does. There will always be a few people in our lives who defy the odds and care deeply for us. These are the people we should hold close and cherish. They are the ones who truly matter.

3. Spend your life with rule breakers.

Seek out the people who are passionate, adventurous, and open-minded. These are the people who will inspire us to be our best selves. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a lifelong friend, or a co-worker, surround yourself with people who challenge your assumptions and push you outside of your comfort zone.

4. Money is cheap.

Money is an essential part of life, but it shouldn’t be the focus of our lives. As Freeman points out, “Don’t engineer your life around getting a slightly less tiny portion of this pile.” Money comes and goes, but our time and relationships are priceless.

5. Money is expensive.

On the other hand, money can also be a source of stress and worry. Debt can quickly spiral out of control and make us feel trapped. Therefore, it’s important to be smart about how we spend and save our money. Avoid taking on debt for frivolous expenses, and invest in experiences and things that truly matter.

6. Learn the ancient art of rhetoric.

The way we communicate can have a significant impact on our lives. Effective communication can help us build relationships, persuade others, and achieve our goals. Therefore, it’s worth investing time and effort into learning how to communicate effectively. By understanding the principles of rhetoric, we can become better listeners, speakers, and writers.

7. You are responsible to everyone, but you’re responsible for yourself.

We all have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. However, we also have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. Nobody else will make us happy or successful. Instead, we must take ownership of our lives and work towards achieving our goals.

8. Learn to see reality in terms of systems.

The world is a complex place, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information and stimuli around us. However, by understanding how different systems interact with each other, we can make sense of the world and find ways to navigate it effectively. This means becoming more aware of politics, economics, and social dynamics.

9. Account for the threat of black swan events.

The unexpected can happen at any time, and it’s essential to be prepared. This means having a safety net, such as an emergency fund or a backup plan, in case things don’t go as planned. It’s also important to take calculated risks and weigh the potential consequences before making major decisions.

10. You both need and don’t need other people.

Human beings are social creatures, and we thrive in communities. However, this doesn’t mean that we need to be in a relationship or have a large friend group to be happy. As Freeman points out, “Establish your own life.” By pursuing our passions and creating a fulfilling life for ourselves, we attract people who share our values and interests.

11. Always give more than is required of you.

Finally, it’s important to be generous and kind towards others. By going above and beyond in our relationships, work, and communities, we create a positive impact on the world. As Freeman says, “The more you give, the more you will find that others will give back to you.”

In conclusion, these ten rules offer a valuable framework for living a fulfilling and meaningful life. From cultivating relationships to managing finances to understanding the world around us, there is much we can learn from Freeman’s advice. By practicing these lessons, we can improve our lives and make a positive difference in the world.