Screw others before they screw you 

i LOVE  number five!!!

Mine?

Let go - jump in - what you waiting for

Really Moonie? No - where would be if we all did that?

'Protect yourself' is a better rule.

Quite! Who is commanding them?

Has quite a bit in common with the Desiderata I think.

<tt>Desiderata</tt>

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

© Max Ehrmann 1927

Agreed 

Never trust anyone 100% because everyone without exception has the capacity to disappoint.

Some good points in your list Saint that I wish I could do more. The one I probably do most is number 10. I play devil's advocate quite a lot (I sometimes do it on here to see how people discuss certain topics).

One thing I want to work on is learning something new, more often.

Squiggle, I love the words and sentiments in your post ^^^^.

I have always loved that, not a bad way for anyone to try to live, I know there is one reference to God (which of course would not be popular with atheists ) but a lovely piece of advice.  There's something a bit noble about it, you are a child of the universe etc.

Agreed.

Depends on your view point. People will always disappoint if one is not open to others views dont you think?

Hi Skylark. I think the keyword in my statement is "capacity". You could substitute the word capacity with ability. I think what I am saying is that regardless of your own viewpoint you can't legislate for what goes on in other people's head. You have little or no control over what they may think or do in the future. It would be a very brave person who would put 100% trust in anyone. That's not to say you can't get a very high level of trust in another, especially one who you have know a considerable time.

So, hope I have explained where I'm coming from and really it's not whether you or I are open to other's views, it's what they may do themselves.

Yes i do agree with this and thank you for replying. I do feel sometimes though , that some people may think because of various issues they have had in life, they cant trust. In my view the beginnings of any relationship, or any in the past, has to be with trust. Yes of course, if anything has gone wrong and that trust has been abused for various reasons, it cannot be sorted, but although its hard to trust someone 100%, it should be tried. If not, whats the point?

Always loved the poem IF by Kipling.

Some very good advice there

Leicester is the place to do it I believe 

If something's free, take two of em.

Or maybe York now because there are arguments over where he should be buried now 

Erm ... this is Athiest Corner not Royal Region

see wot i did then

IF all the land was paper and all the sea was ink

If all the trees were bread and cheese....what would we have to drink?  

thou shalt not touch my last bit of baccy or beer or thou shall have thy fingers choppethed off