Wisdom That Works

Most advice fails because it ignores context. Ideas like “act fast” and “be patient” are not wrong, but they conflict. Wisdom is not about following fixed rules; it is about choosing well given the situation. However, I have sometimes found it hard to check the context when it is easier to follow and abide by the rules or break them. But there is an anchor there somewhere. What follows is a minimal set of non-conflicting rules. They guide how to decide, not what to do.

The Rules

1. Avoid irreversible harm
   Treat actions you cannot undo with extreme care.
   
   
2. Preserve optionality
   Prefer choices that keep future paths open.
   
   
3. Match action to stakes
   Higher stakes demand more time and restraint.
   
   
4. Understand before acting
   Acting on poor context multiplies error.
   
   
5. Act proportionally
   Do not overreact to small problems or underreact to large ones.
   
   
6. Correct quickly when wrong
   Being wrong is normal; staying wrong is costly.
   
   
7. Respect asymmetric impact
   The same action affects people differently.
   
   
8. Prioritize long-term trust
   Trust compounds across almost all domains.
   
   
9. Use rules, don’t obey them blindly
   Judgment decides when rules apply.
   
   
10. Update beliefs when reality disagrees
    Reality outranks opinions.