Know the difference between principles based on right or wrong vs. principles based on personal gain, and consider the basis of your own principles.

Almost all of the finer things in life are free or nearly free. You don't have to pay for the sky at night or snow in the morning or a kiss on the nose when you're sick. Forgetting that may put you at the mercy of those who seek to profit by convincing you to want whatever it is they have to sell.

Be sure to expose yourself to criticism: A fine polish requires an abrasive.

Ultimately, our future is like a mirror. Whenever we face it, it always reflects what we left behind.

Know the function of a fuse box and the appearance of a tripped circuit breaker.

Be able to blow out a dinner candle without sending wax flying across the table.

Understand why casinos and racetracks stay in business - the gambler always loses over the long term.