The chess player who develops the ability to play two dozen boards at a time will benefit from learning to compress his or her analysis into less time.

Know which officials are voted into office and which are appointed, and by whom.

Common sense comes from experience, and kids need to fail as well as succeed in order to learn it. It's difficult to develop common sense when you spend a lot of time in your room where nothing much happens.

You're who you think you are, even if you never admit it to yourself or to anyone else. You may be in the worst position to judge, but you're in the best position to know.

Be in the habit of experimenting with your clothing so that you don't get stuck for life with a self-image developed over the course of high school.

Be able to recognize the dangerous snakes, spiders, insects, and plants that live in your area of the country.

A good idea will keep you awake during the morning, but a great idea will keep you awake during the night.