Birthday Advice

Borrowing from others, I offer some lessons learned about life in this century and the last

Today is my birthday. I am almost a quarter of the way into this new century after having been alive for more than half of the latter one.

A recent podcast tipped me to a list of gained wisdoms compiled by Wired magazine editor Kevin Kelly on the occasion of his 70 thbirthday. Herewith, I offer my own list. As always, your mileage may vary:

1. Never be ashamed of borrowing a good idea, but always hat-tip the source.
2. Take credit for your successes and responsibility for your losses.
3. Eat a good breakfast.
4. Make time to be with friends.
5. Make as much time to be alone.
6. No matter how smart you think you are, it’s not enough.
7. Everything breaks, including people.
8. Nothing you’ve fixed, whether it’s a software conflict or an education system, stays fixed forever.
9. It’s likely that many people think more highly of you than you do of yourself.
10. To keep your body alive, walk; to keep your mind alive, read.
11. No win is worth hurting someone.
12. Take care of your teeth.
13. You will never feel as old as your face looks.
14. The past is gone. Get over it.
15. Being successful often depends more on where you were born, your…