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Rules

This page is a collection of rules, values, and philosophies with which I choose to live my life by. It is hardly exhaustive, nor is it perfect. Some values are difficult to put into words, while others are wildly aspirational, but in order to hold myself accountable and strive to be a better person, father, and husband, writing them down felt like a good first step.

General

  • Never walk by a mistake1
  • Hope is not a strategy2
  • How you do anything is how you do everything3
  • To do nothing is to do something4
  • Slow the fuck down
  • Take the scenic route5
  • Don't answer phone calls from unknown numbers6
  • No gray days7

Technology

  • Not everything needs an internet connection
  • Prefer analog solutions over digital ones
  • Seek out single-purpose technology
  • Privacy is a right, not a privilege

Parenting

  • Lead by example
  • Be a gardener8
  • Praise effort, not results
  • Encourage boredom9

Marriage

  • Practice radical generosity10
  • Honesty is the only policy


Footnotes

  1. Anderberg, J., 2017. Never Walk By a Mistake. [online] The Art of Manliness. Available at: artofmanliness.com [Accessed 30 May 2021].

  2. Thich, N., 1992. Peace Is Every Step. London: Bantam Books, p.42.

  3. Ryan Holiday, 2020. How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything. [online] Available at: ryanholiday.net [Accessed 30 May 2021].

  4. Foer, J., 2010. Eating animals. New York: Back Bay Books, p.38.

  5. Zachary Flower, 2021. Take the Scenic Route. [online] Available at: flower.codes [Accessed 7 July 2021].

  6. Ferriss, T., 2007. The Not-To-Do List: 9 Habits to Stop Now. [online] Available at: tim.blog [Accessed: 16 November 2023].

  7. Zachary Flower, 2023. Sunday Reboot — December 10, 2023. [online] Available at: flower.codes [Accessed 1 January 2021].

  8. Mae, K., 2019. How to Be a 'Gardener' Parent. [online] Lifehacker. Available at: lifehacker.com [Accessed 30 May 2021].

  9. Payne, K., 2015. The Soul of Discipline. New York: Ballantine Books, p.260.

  10. Klemp, N. and Klemp, K., 2021. The 80/80 Marriage. New York: Penguin Life, p.43.