382. Prejudice

Never be prejudiced. Never pre-judge a situation based on an idea you have in your mind about it. Such ideas, if left unchallenged can blind you to the actual realities of the situation.

381. Books Literature and Reading

Keep your respect for books alive.

Establish, maintain and extend your library.

380. Reliability and Leadership

Become the one who can be relied upon to point the way forward. This is an important part of your reputation.

379. More Lessons from the Medici

"Waste no time on sorrow for there is no certain tomorrow." - Lorenzo de Medici

"Always try to diffuse a situation before resorting to force." - Cosimo & Piero de Medici

"Do not act impetuously; act stealthily and move your ambassadors around to avoid their building up power bases in any one place." - Lorenzo de Medici

378. Lessons from the Medici

Cosimo de Medici's father advised him to avoid being conspicuous, to exercise subterfuge, to rule without being seen to rule and to seek to rule the tax system.

It is sometimes necessary to ally one's fortunes with powerful but unreliable characters in order to succeed but you must understand also that handling them requires immense diplomatic skill.

Emerge as the richest man in your field, found a dynasty and start a renaissance.

377. How are we to Treat People ?

When dealing with people, learn to treat them as they want to be treated, not the way you do. This means that you must take the time and trouble to find out how they want you to treat them before you take action. This requires stillness and observation (mainly listening).

376. Political Ambition

Beware of political ambition, for this is always at the mercy of the judgment of others