45 more quotes from an engineer

Continuing this series as I continue my reflections on life.

Some life advice from an engineer

More life advice from an engineer

1. The best way to win a fight is to not get into a fight. There are no winners in a fight or an argument. It’s often better to be nice than to be right.
2. Your ego isn’t worth anything. Swallow it. Too many people have died over someone’s ego.
3. Desire leads to suffering. Let things go, don’t get too attached to anything in life, or they will eat you alive.
4. Abstinence gives birth to inner peace; Inner peace gives birth to wisdom. Stay clear of substances and remain clear-minded and wisdom will follow.
5. The understanding of self gives birth to wisdom. Get to know yourself, accept yourself, and own yourself.
6. He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how. Develop a purpose first, and your life will follow.
7. People are not thinking about you as much as you think. Stop giving a f*** and do what needs to be done.
8. Choose your own path or someone will choose it for you. Be the master of your life and don’t be a slave.
9. Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate. To truly own yourself, you have to control the unconscious.
10. Be attractive, and don’t be unattractive. Money, status, relationships, happiness etc. are attracted, not chased.
11. You attract who you are. If you constantly smell shit, check your own shoes. If you want better friends or social circles, better yourself first.
12. Money and success are reflections of your value. To be successful, increase your value first and become useful.
13. It’s not about how much money you make, it’s about how much you bring home. If you cannot be disciplined about yourself, you cannot be disciplined about money.
14. Who you become is more important than what you accomplish. Don’t chase accomplishments — those are the effects, not the cause.
15. Age does not equate to maturity. Maturity comes with experience. There are many old immature people in the world.
16. To be interesting, you have to be interested. Always be open to learning and trying new things and learning about other people.
17. If you’re not willing to be a fool, you cannot become a master. When you’re learning anything new, you’ll feel like an imposter.
18. 90% of your life is determined at birth. Life is unfair. Accept it and play the cards you are dealt. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
19. 90% of your life comes down to a few decisions — your partner, your career, your attitude, etc. One bad choice can ruin your life.
20. Nothing in life is guaranteed. You don’t deserve anything by being born and being yourself. You have to earn it.
21. Many nice people are not nice. Truly nice people don’t expect things in return. Be wary of those who are too nice to you.
22. Being grateful for today is the key to happiness. Envy and jealousy are like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
23. Interest compounds over time. The same goes for your habits and effort, good and bad.
24. Nothing worthwhile comes easy. There are always going to be obstacles in your life, especially if you go after big things.
25. It’s only over when you believe it’s over. Nothing is truly over in life. Never give up on your dreams.
26. Most things are not mutually exclusive. It’s all in your head. Anything is possible as long as you believe it is possible. You don’t need x to do y.
27. Everyone has fears, but the brave put down their fears and move forward. Nobody is truly ready. If you know the worst that can happen and are prepared for it, there is nothing to fear.
28. Problems never fix themselves. Avoiding, blaming, criticizing, and complaining will never make problems disappear. Doing the same thing over and over will not change the outcome.
29. You can’t prevent mistakes — you set boundaries so you don’t get into situations where mistakes can be made.
30. Intelligence is not the same thing as being smart. There are many smart dumb people in the world.
31. The emptiest head rattles the loudest. Often times it’s better to shut up and listen.
32. Move at your own pace, but understand that biology doesn’t wait. Life is not a race, but there will be a time when it’s too late for certain things.
33. Actions speak louder than words. Don’t listen to what they say, but instead pay attention to what they do.
34. There is no such thing as unconditional love. Except from God, your parents, and yourself. Most human relationships are transactional.
35. Love is an action and an exchange of value. To get what you want, you give them what they want. You need to provide value to be loved.
36. Pursuing your passions is a privilege. Hard work and dedication are keys to success. Passion is futile and changes over time.
37. History always repeats itself. If you want to predict the future, look back into the history.
38. Many people are ignorant. They don’t think it’s a problem until it affects them personally. You need to be aware before it becomes a problem.
39. Ignorance is bliss. It’s not a problem until you make it a problem.
40. It is much easier to break things than to build things. We are lucky to be living in the civilization today. Appreciate what we have.
41. The world is a manifestation of your mind. If you want a change in the outer world, first you have to change your inner world.
42. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Everyone goes through difficulty and trauma, you’re not a special snowflake.
43. Caring and attachment are not mutually exclusive. You should care, and you can give it all without being attached.
44. He who waters will be watered himself. The world is a harsh place for everyone, so help others when you can.
45. Be the good in the world. Drive positive change, first from yourself, then to your peers, and ultimately, the world.