This year I’ve developed a better understanding of how my mind works, how society works, how ideas and social epidemics work, how context can change everything.

This year I learnt that conventional argument is worthless, that it does more harm than good. Win through actions, not argument.

I’ve learnt the importance and value of discipline. I’ve learnt the importance of clarity, of focus, of self-awareness.

There is no glory without labour, and the good is the greatest enemy of the great.

It’s more important to get to understand other people than to try and get them to understand you- do the former and the latter comes much, much easier.

Be gracious in victory. Guard and cultivate your reputation. Plan until the end.

Intellectual discussion is about making OTHER people feel smart- help them to understand things. You’ll get a lot further than if you try to be impressive.

Trying to be impressive, artistic, creative or original will almost never get you there. Try instead to express truth, and to do it with clarity and passion. The accolades will follow.

Few people really, truly want to hear the truth- and even those that do want to hear it in a way that pleases them. How you say things is more important than what you say.

Results are everything, effort and know-how are secondary. You can never please everybody. You cannot escape politics.

The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend. How you are perceived can be more important than what you actually are.

Be constantly vigilant. Always think before you act. Never be petty. Flatter people. Be consistently reliable, trustworthy, dependable, interesting.

Be your own harshest critic. Praise your peers when others ask about them, criticize them tactfully in private.

Take care of your finances, your health and your relationships.

Sleep well, and drink lots of water.

There are some things that should not be said, because their value or effectiveness is diminished by saying them.