Thinking clearly

Life is simple, really:

1. try to live by a consistent moral code
2. Knowledge has diminishing marginal returns, as does preparation, but they usually diminish well past the stopping point of most people.prepare as much as possible by learning as much as possible. Plan.
3. looks, charisma, charm and leadership matter tremendously - cultivate these.
4. be a good judge of character
5. The healthy mind needs a healthy body.
6. A belief in genetic determinism will hold you back. Use environmental determinism to your advantage.
7. Some questions have no answer, or no good answers.

I'll add to these later. But these are a good place to start.