Tools of Titans

• Example: Anchoring to historical stock/asset prices, and therefore making poor decisions about buying or selling.

Insight: Derek Sivers is a fan of Charlie Munger and recommends the book Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger, by Peter Bevelin.

• Insight: Cortisol rises with uncertainty. [Example of marines] upon hearing about an imminent attack - cortisol levels drop because they had a plan of attack, and were use to fighting conditions.
• Insight: If you are exhausted but unable to sleep, high cortisol levels could be a factor.

• Insight: Unstructured days can paralyse us.
• Insight: Pre-scheduling (workouts for example) is like a scaffolding around which we can more effectively execute our days.
• Reference: Jocko Willink: "My mantra is a very simple one, and that's 'Discipline equals freedom.'"

"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid."

- Epictetus

Insight: To do anything interesting, you have to train yourself to handle, or even enjoy, criticism.

Insight: Cato of Rome took Epictetus' advice and wore darker robes than was customary, knowing he would be ridiculed. He did this to train himself to only be ashamed of the things that are truly worthy of being ashamed of.

• Insight: In excess, most things take on the characteristics of their opposite: freedom fighters become tyrants, blessings become curses, more becomes less.
• Principle: Examine areas of life that have become excess.

• Example: Life countdown clock from Futurama (TV show) showing estimated date of death, or number of days left.
• Insight: We can build memento mori into our schedules through reading philosophy, spending time with hospice caregivers, visiting graveyards, or placing memoirs and photos of deceased relatives in our homes.
• Insight: Organising your remaining days into increments (e.g. 5 years) can focus us on achieving significant life goals by reminding us that our time is limited.
• Insight: Remembering that you are going to die is a great way to remember to live.

• Insight: Positive constraints can increase perceived free will and results.
• Insight: Freeform leads to paralysis from paradox of choice.
• Insight: Adding structures or regular routines to your calendar can act as a scaffolding with which to build around.

• Insight: Stephen J. Dubner: don't be scared of what others think. Nobody cares what you do.

"There is no way to happiness — happiness is the way."

- Thich Nhat Hanh