Wisdom

The real world doesn't reward rule followers the way the educational world does and the real world is not always merit-based. The institutions and organizations we yield to and trust in to support our success, whether they be employers or government, are flawed.

When you hear someone longing for the 'good old days,' take it with a grain of salt. The 'good old days' weren't that great.

In politics and in life, ignorance is not a virtue. It's not cool to not know what you're talking about. That's not keeping it real, or telling it like it is. That's just not knowing what you're talking about.

Remember always what Nelson Mandela said: 'All the hardest jobs seem impossible until they are done.'

The bus that you drive, make sure it's the right one. Make sure you only let good people on it. Good people will make you better.

I learned that unlikely events — the things we say could never happen to us — happen all the time, because there are so many possible unlikely events that a few of them will happen.

An answer can only be as good as the question asked.

'Wait, what' is at the root of all understanding. 'I wonder' is at the heart of all curiosity. 'Couldn't we at least' is the beginning of all progress. 'How can I help' is at the base of all good relationships. And 'what really matters' gets you to the heart of life.

If you calm down, you will know what your instincts are telling you and you'll know which way, right or wrong, that you must proceed.

Don't be so focused in your plans that you are unwilling to consider the unexpected. The most exciting parts of your life aren't even on your radar screen.

Avoid a life plan. You cannot imagine what will be invented in the future. You cannot imagine the opportunities that will be presented. A life plan will limit your future. Instead, spend your time developing a life philosophy.

There is one measure of civilization and it comes down to how people treat each other. Kindness is the basic ingredient.