77 Life Instructions Society Has Forgotten
Start writing a post
Student Life

77 Life Instructions Society Has Forgotten

Adapted from Life's Little Instruction Book: 511 suggestions, observations, & reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

267
77 Life Instructions Society Has Forgotten
Ariel Krikorian

The following 100 life instructions come from a book (written by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.) I received from my grandfather. He was given this book many years ago, and he thought I would enjoy it. My grandfather has taught me many things, among which is that family is most important, live with integrity, and love deeply. While this book is slightly outdated, and some of the instructions aren't necessarily applicable to this day and age - learn how to operate a Macintosh computer - this book is filled with many reminders for how to live a wholesome life. I have combed through this book and come up with the top 77 (out of 511) instructions that society has forgotten, but definitely shouldn't have.

1. Compliment three people every day. 

2. Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

3. Remember other people's birthdays. 

4. Have a firm handshake.

5. Look people in the eye. 

6. Be forgiving of yourself & others. 

7. Ask for a raise when you feel you've earned it. 

8. Return all things you borrow. 

9. Write "thank you" notes promptly. 

10. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day. 

11. Show respect for teachers. 

12. Take out the garbage without being told.

13. Vote.

14. Surprise loved ones with little unexpected gifts. 

15. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

16. Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, & integrity, they think of you.

17. Admit your mistakes. 

18. Use your wit to amuse, not to abuse. 

19. Remember that all news is biased. 

20. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference. 

21. Don't take good health for granted. 

22. Don't smoke. 

23. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who'll never find out. 

24. Know how to type. 

25. Never cheat.  

26. Learn CPR. 

27. Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly. 

28. Know how to change a tire. 

29. Know how to tie a bow tie. 

30. Remember people's names. 

31. Never deprive someone of hope; it may be all they have. 

32. Strive for excellence, not perfection. 

33. Take time to smell the roses. 

34. Pray not for things, but for wisdom & courage. 

35. Be punctual & insist on it in others. 

36. Do battle against prejudice & discrimination wherever you find it. 

37. Don't quit a job until you've lined up another. 

38. Have good posture. 

39. Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. 

40. Show respect for all living things. 

41. Don't carry a grudge. 

42. Commit yourself to constant self-improvement. 

43. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. 

44. Keep your promises.

45. Be willing to lose a battle in order to win the war. 

46. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born. 

47. Don't whine.

48. Leave everything a little better than you found it. 

49. Don't expect money to bring you happiness. 

50. Never snap your fingers to get someone's attention. It's rude. 

51. Practice empathy. Try to see things from other people's points of view. 

52. Discipline yourself to save money. 

53. Get & stay in shape. 

54. Don't expect life to be fair. 

55. Become an expert in time management. 

56. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. 

57. Refrain from envy. It's the source of much unhappiness. 

58. Don't think a higher price always means higher quality.

59. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. 

60. Evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else's. 

61. Know when to keep silent. 

62. Know when to speak up. 

63. Wage war against littering. 

64. Don't flaunt your success, but don't apologize for it either. 

65. Be enthusiastic about the success of others. 

66. Don't procrastinate. Do what needs doing when it needs to be done. 

67. Have some knowledge of three religions other than your own.

68. Don't undertip the waiter just because the food is bad; he/she didn't cook it. 

69. Don't be afraid to say, "I need help."

70. Never compromise your integrity. 

71. Don't miss the magic of the moment by focusing on what's to come. 

72. Don't interrupt. 

73. Don't make the same mistake twice. 

74. Question your goals by asking, "will this help me become my very best?"

75. Marry only for love. 

76. Count your blessings. 

77. Call your mother. 

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

931289
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

106496
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

46785
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments