567. The Search for Truth and Truths

"The increase in known truths stimulates the investigation, establishment and growth of the arts, not their diminution and destruction." - Gallileo Gallilei.

You should hold a greater fondness for Truth than for your own opinions.

547. Informed Decisions

Never, ever, make any important decisions without being in full possession of all the facts relevant to the decision that you can muster. Keep very good sources of high quality information. Never rely on underlings in an organisation for your information - always speak to the engineer, not the oily rag. Remember you are the Chief Executive Officer ( The Boss ) of your own life and as such you are an equal to the CEO of any organisation, from a stamp collecting club to the president of the country.

Learn to interpret all the facts calmly and cooly.

Don't just ask for the good news, ask what all the news is. In fact be very suspicious of those who only bear good news - they are probably only telling you what they think you want to hear. These people are called yes-men and will lead you into error.

Learn also to distinguish between hard data and mere opinion. Only give weight to an opinion if the person knows what he is talking about and if he has a reputation for being right more often than he is wrong. Don't for example agree with the opinion of a brick maker when he is talking about jewels.

491. Achievement

"The first formal condition for achieving anything great is that you should be independent of public opinion." -Hegel
Public opinion is fickle. It can be with you one day and against you the next. When all is said and done, it remains only that, an opinion. Opinions are worthless. True judgements based on examination and analysis of the facts are much more valuable. Mere unsupported opinion is worthless.