I knew someone who was a psychopath, and if there was light in that experience, it was that it showed me how not to behave. He was a fine example of a bad human being. Later on, I heard he found material success and a rich wife. I consoled myself with the fact that I lived my life being real, and treated people like human beings. After all, life is more than money and success; we are also what we do.
(1) Truly respect people
Everyone puts up with stuff they don’t like. Who likes to wake up early in the morning, spend the best hours at work, and then spend an unreasonable amount of their salary to pay off bills? People do this for years, often with meager salary increments, and little appreciation. It is remarkable, but we just take it for granted. So, people suffer to make a living. Could you talk to them politely and treat them decently?
(2) Respect people’s time
Don’t be late for anything, even if it’s your best friend – especially if it’s your best friend. As above, we spend most of our time working, so time is precious. Respect everyone’s time. Bark when someone disrespects your time. Get rid of repeat offenders.
(3) Be real
You cannot live two lives, where one is the perfect friend you present to the outer world, and the other one where you beat up your wife in private. Two-faced bastards are the weeds of the human world ; in their lifetime, they do more harm than good.
(4) Think before you act
Whatever we do or say, it becomes permanently saved in the past, unalterable and undeniable. Therefore, think before you speak or act; there is no turning back. Act like your life matters, and it will. Act like a bastard, and people will eagerly wait for you to fall down.
Perhaps you have a pretty good reason to act out, or to be resentful. But think about it : if you treat others badly because you have been treated badly, what strength of character do you have?
(5) Have a moral compass and stick to it
Some people talk louder than you. Some could be twice your size. Do not let these be excuses to defy your own moral standards. Stand up for your uncompromising principles.
Life is real. The events we exact on other people are permanently stored into the past.
What choices will you make?
