Instructions on a life well-lived, courtesy of a 25-year-old movie
· 7 min read · Dec 7, 2019
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When I was 18, I had no idea who I wanted to be. I was about to leave home and start college, and the only thing I knew was that the future was uncertain.
Before I left, I tried to fight my nervosity in many ways. I read everything I could get my hands on that seemed relevant to my chosen academic field — a mix of business and engineering. I prepared my courses in advance. I sought reassurance from others that I’d chosen a good school and degree.
In the end, what helped me the most was an exercise you could file under “youthful naïvete:” I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote down “my 30 guiding principles.” Most of them were simple, like “Let go what must be let go,” “Simplify,” and, “Have no secrets.” I still have the list. It’s on my pinboard. I’m looking at it right now. So why was I naïve to create it?
First of all, I didn’t know that what I’d come up with weren’t actually principles. They were just rules.
The difference between a rule and a principle is that one is merely a guideline that follows from the other. Principles don’t break. They’re universal. Gravity is a principle. Whether it’s you who falls from a skyscraper, your cat, or a 17th century vase, it’s not gonna end well. Gravity makes no exceptions.
In order to deal with principles, we have rules. “Don’t jump off skyscrapers” is a rule and a good one at that. Unlike principles, however, rules break all the time. Often, it’s us doing the breaking — and often prematurely.
Eventually, however, even the best rules expire. It’s part of their design. Once they no longer serve their function, they’re meant to be broken. “Don’t go faster than 30 miles per hour” is a rule. It’s useful on a poorly built road, but once that road becomes a highway, it must be updated.
That’s the second reason my list was premature: In the ten years since I wrote them down, I have broken every single one of my rules. And yet, I’m still glad I wrote that list. You know why? Because the idea that I wanted to live by some rules — despite not knowing which ones or how or why — was enough.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realms of personal growth and life philosophy, I resonate deeply with the sentiments expressed in the article, "Instructions on a life well-lived, courtesy of a 25-year-old movie." Having navigated the uncertainties of youth and academic pursuits myself, I've found profound insights that align with the author's journey.
The author's introspective exercise of crafting "30 guiding principles" during the transition to college resonates strongly with my own experiences. In my extensive exploration of personal development literature and psychological studies, I've encountered similar strategies employed by individuals seeking clarity and purpose. The practice of distilling one's values and beliefs into a set of guiding principles is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound step towards self-discovery.
The distinction drawn between principles and rules is a nuanced insight that I have delved into deeply in my research and discussions on leading a meaningful life. Principles, as the author rightly points out, are immutable and universal, much like the laws of nature. In my engagements with various philosophical frameworks and psychological theories, I have explored the significance of adhering to timeless principles as a foundation for ethical decision-making and personal fulfillment.
Moreover, the recognition that rules, unlike principles, are subject to expiration adds a layer of sophistication to the understanding of personal guidelines. Through my in-depth study of behavioral psychology and ethical philosophy, I have encountered the concept that rules serve as practical applications of principles in the ever-evolving landscape of life. Rules provide a flexible structure for navigating the complexities of human experience, acknowledging that adaptability is crucial in the pursuit of a well-lived life.
In my own journey, I've witnessed the evolution of personal rules and principles over time. The author's acknowledgment of breaking every single rule on their list after a decade resonates with the inherent fluidity of personal growth. My expertise extends to recognizing that individuals undergo transformative experiences that necessitate the reevaluation and modification of their guiding principles and rules.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates timeless wisdom drawn from personal experience, aligning with my comprehensive understanding of personal growth and philosophical exploration. The narrative beautifully underscores the dynamic nature of life's journey and the importance of embracing guiding principles while allowing room for the evolution of rules—a testament to the complexity and richness of the human experience.
