RayTDalio

Save and put your savings in to a well-diversified mix of currencies, countries, and asset classes so that your savings will not depreciate in value and will be enough to help cushion the bumps. Think broadly rather than narrowly about the environments that you might be in so that they are safe, satisfying, and economical. Pay attention to the patterns in history and how they compare with what is going on as a way of thinking about the possibilities. Do these things without being stressed. I recommend that you meditate.

The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant, Hero of a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell, The River Out of Eden by Richard Dawkins, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers by Paul Kennedy--gee there are so many that are running through my mind.

By the way, happy cake day.

The natural flow from 5 to 6 is likely—which means that revolutionary changes are likely. Those revolutionary changes can conceivably produce improvements if we can smartly pull together to do the right things to make us healthier. However, I fear that we are not on that track and worry about the picture, particularly in the period of 5-10 years from now. I think that between now and the mid-term elections in 2022, and between then and the next presidential election in 2024, we will face critical choices both domestically and internationally that will define the likelihood of having an internal and/or external existential conflict.

Everything important that I would tell my 21 year old self I've said in my books and in Principles for Success. However, in a nutshell, some of the most important things are about finding the right fit for you by learning about yourself and experimenting. Realize that you don't know anything about the second phase of your life, which you are about to enter. It is completely different from the first phase, so be very open-minded to learning and don't be arrogant. Get mentors who are successfully further along in their journey to help give you good advice. Know that knowing how to deal with what you don't know is more important than anything you do know. Value mistakes as learning experiences. Realize that everyone has weaknesses, find yours, and learn how to work with others to get around them. Think about what you're optimizing for. Enjoy the adventure!

Time. I love meaningful work and meaningful relationships and I never have enough time to have as much of them as I would like.