Adult Principles

By John Perry Barlow

I discovered these principles in college and found them deeply resonant during my early career. While I connected with them more intensely in my younger years, they remain a thoughtful guide for navigating life's complexities with wisdom and grace. I probably disagree with a couple of them now. Maybe. :-)

  1. Be patient. No matter what.
  2. Don't badmouth: Assign responsibility, not blame. Say nothing of another you wouldn't say to him.
  3. Never assume the motives of others are, to them, less noble than yours are to you.
  4. Expand your sense of the possible.
  5. Don't trouble yourself with matters you truly cannot change.
  6. Don't ask more of others than you can deliver yourself.
  7. Tolerate ambiguity.
  8. Laugh at yourself frequently.
  9. Concern yourself with what is right rather than who is right.
  10. Try not to forget that, no matter how certain, you might be wrong.
  11. Give up blood sports.
  12. Remember that your life belongs to others as well. Don't risk it frivolously.
  13. Never lie to anyone for any reason. (Lies of omission are sometimes exempt.)
  14. Learn the needs of those around you and respect them.
  15. Avoid the pursuit of happiness. Seek to define your mission and pursue that.
  16. Reduce your use of the first personal pronoun.
  17. Praise at least as often as you disparage.
  18. Admit your errors freely and quickly.
  19. Become less suspicious of joy.
  20. Understand humility.
  21. Remember that love forgives everything.
  22. Foster dignity.
  23. Live memorably.
  24. Love yourself.
  25. Endure.

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© 2025 David Ulevitch