Stephen's Laws

When I've had time to sit and think, I have come to the realization that
these are the things I know I know.

• All work and no play and you miss the point entirely
  

• Beware true fanatics.  They have forsaken their consciences and may no
  longer be considered fully human.
  

• Treasure epiphanies.  True moments of clarity are fleeting and rare.
  

• Invest time in those who love you.  The returns are immeasurable.
  

• Acknowledge that there are mean people in the world.  Ignore them if
  possible, endure them if not.  Thwart them when practical and enjoy the
  moment.
  

• All motivation is selfish.  Seek nobility in your actions, but do not fool
  yourself.  A corollary to this is that everyone has their own agenda.
  

• Happy and sad are decisions you make.  Choose happy.
  

• Anger is a decision you make to give control of yourself to someone else.  
  Choose to retain control.  Be aware that your refusal to get angry may
  inflame a situation.  Be prepared to fake some anger if necessary to defuse
  a situation.
  

• Exercise your sense of humor by sharing it with others.
  

• Place a high value on the characters you meet.  If no one defined the ends
  of sanity, you would not know where the middle was.
  

• Strangers are just friends you have not met, speak to them.  You have
  something in common with and something to learn from everyone you meet.
  

• Embrace the adventurous side of other cultures.  When in Rome, do as the
  more adventurous Romans do.
  

• Occasionally wear a funny hat.
  

• Good luck follows a positive attitude.  Acknowledge your good luck but
  never count on it.