Five Principles (for 5, 15, 25, and 65-Year-Olds)

We've all been deep in our thoughts this year, and I'm no exception. The other night, I was wondering what it would be like for me to interact with younger versions of myself at, say, age five, or 15, or 25, without my younger selves knowing it's me. Keep up with me here. For instance, I could sit on the floor at 65 years old, next to five-year-old George playing with his toys. How would we interact? What would that be like?

And then I think about randomly bumping into 15-year-old George, exchanging greetings. What
would I say to myself? Would I be able to leave a tidbit of advice to that kid that he would remember?

Or maybe it's me at 25 years old, sitting on a plane next to future-me, conversing for a few hours.

I have thought about this a lot, and I think I know exactly what I would say in all three encounters.

The words are not mine. They belong to Bruce Weinstein, an ethicist who writes about business, character, and leadership. I came across his work by accident, about 14 years ago. I was looking through some stuff that belonged to my parents, and in a book of my mother’s, she had “Weinstein’s Five Life Principles” tucked inside.
Since that day, I carry them around everywhere I go. These 5 things are exactly what I would share if I could interact with any of my past selves. That obviously cannot happen, scientifically, but I can share them with you today.

1. DO NO HARM

This is the bedrock for everything else. Without it we have chaos.

2. MAKE THINGS BETTER

Where ethics is different from the law. It demands more of us.

3. RESPECT OTHERS

Tell the truth and keep your promises.

4. BE FAIR

Especially when allocating resources and doling out punishment.

5. BE LOVING

Strive to be kind and compassionate.

It is fascinating to me that my mother had these, and that I found them. It’s a great roadmap for your life. Weinstein further elaborates, ”it’s so important for businesses to hire and promote high-character people at every level and to get rid of everyone else." He goes on to say, “it doesn’t matter how smart, or how skilled you are; if you don’t have integrity, if you are not honest and accountable, if you don’t keep your word, you’re going to hurt the company."

I highly recommend you start incorporating these principles into your work, but most importantly, into yourself. It’s a mission statement for your life at any age.