I just completed Jim Roger's latest book dedicated to his 2 beloved daughters. He is a very interesting character. Starting to earn his own keep at only age 5, he earned enough for he and his family's entire lifetime and retired at age 37, travelled across 6 continents and eventually settled down with a much younger woman half age when most people do not bother starting a family. And now, believe it or not, he has chosen Singapore to bring up his daughters, citing the brilliant, bilingual education (thanks LKY!) and the security and safety that we so take for granted in the place that we grew up in.
I already visualise myself getting this book for my dear niece who is only 7! Why not when his own daughters are only 6 and 2 years old? Here's an excerpt of Roger's "Little Rules". I must say, there is really nothing to disagree. In fact, i have pondered one quite a few of them myself!
Always buy quality products. They last longer and retain more value.
Always eat before you go grocery shopping! If you’re hungry when you go, you’ll end up buying more food than you need!
Anything that is a “must see”, “must try”, “must read”, should almost certainly be avoided, especially if it is popular.
Use good manners no matter where you are or whom you meet. They are an eternal verity that will always distinguish you. Be sensitive to the mores of each society because “good manners” are often different in various cultures.
Beware of all politicians everywhere. They excelled at recess when they were in school but have excelled at little since.
Never ask someone how much money he or she makes, or how much something costs. Never tell someone how much your things cost. Never discuss how much money you make or have. My parents and grandparents ingrained this in me because it is ostentatious and poor manners, at least for us. Prove yourself by your actions rather than by talking about money. There are many folks these days who love discussing their money and flashing it about, but it is not the way I hope you will live.
If and when you borrow money, pay it back on time, if not in advance. Good credit is vital. A bad credit record will haunt you for years.
As you get older, you will have to deal with boys. I expect always to be giving you advice and warning you about boys. The basic principle to remember is this: They need you more than you need them. They will make you millions of promises in their frantic pursuit of you. Take it from someone who knows; I can tell the stories better than they can. Just ignore them and stay true to yourself. Use your common sense when you start hearing absurd promises, compliments, and flattery. Do not follow a boy to a different school, city, or job. Make the boys follow you.
When you get older, remember that you will gain little from singles bars – the bartenders will learn and earn more from the experience than you will.
Be wary: Learn that many men who look old enough to be your father or grandfather do not think of you as their daughter or granddaughter.
Do not get married until you are at least twenty-eight and know a bit more about yourself and the world.
It is vitally important to maintain boundaries between work and life. Skip going out for drinks with the gang after work every night. You will notice that the boss does not do it, which is one reason that he is the boss. And while we are discussing the boss: There is rarely, if ever, any sound reason for you to have a drink with him or her alone, much less dinner. And while we are discussing drinking, never drink at a business lunch. Finally, and importantly, avoid in-office romances. They usually end in personal and professional disaster for one or both parties.
Always use the toilet before you set out on a long drive or make an appearance in public.
Learn to type and to sew. I never did, and I regret it often, on both counts.
Learn to do as much arithmetic and figures as possible in your head. This may sound strange, considering that calculators are everywhere, but you will have a leg up by understanding the numbers better than others, while also noticing anomalies others miss. Besides, what will they do when they’ve left their calculators at home? This will be a huge advantage for you as few will be able to keep up with you.
Finally, take care of yourself! It’s difficult to be successful if you aren’t healthy and rested. You know how your mother is always putting sunscreen on you? She is exactly right.
Learn to stay calm – especially in times of pressure or turmoil. You will make much better decisions plus everyone will soon notice you are calm under pressure when others are not. I have gotten better, but still am a hothead too often – and always regret it later.
Always be early for appointments. You will be much more efficient with your time and will make a very good impression since many arrive late – some repeatedly late.
Once you do get to know and understand yourself, remember who you are and stay with it. I still get carried away at times and act emotionally or do things at which I am not good. I always look back and try to kick myself into remembering I need to be true to myself. For example, I sometimes jump into an investment when it is moving up only to remember later it was emotion overcoming my own self awareness. I always regret it when I do not stay with my own best abilities – whether in investing or anything else.
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