[March 17, 2023] I was recently asked by one of my readers what was the most important rule in your book, 55 Rules for a Good Life, and why. My answer was easy. Never lie, cheat, or steal. The reason is that it is an excellent starting position to straighten out your life. And, of these, never lie is the most crucial of all.
RULE 3: Never Lie, Cheat, or Steal. And do not needlessly tolerate those who do. The most fundamental bond among humans since the beginning of time is trust. When we lie, cheat, or steal, we break that bond. We are betraying others, and we are corrupting ourselves in the process. You will lose the race to success if you lie, cheat, or steal. Never, ever betray your brothers (or sisters).
Why I made it rule “3” instead of rule “1” is not an accident, but I wanted to set the stage for the other 54 rules. So, never lie, cheat, or steal. It is helpful never to allow yourself to do these wrongs because in doing so, you betray others. Never would be best, especially never lie.
For example, it is not always a straightforward thing to do. You don’t get to tell the truth as a weapon; that’s not the truth, that’s a partial truth masquerading as truth to use as a weapon. It’s beneficial to discipline yourself not to use your language in a manipulative manner. It doesn’t work. Manipulation is a terrible medium to long-term life strategy.
Your life will become much more straightforward, less anxiety-provoking, and more exciting and adventurous if you say what you think, or more importantly, don’t say those things you know to be untrue.
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Please read my books:
Tell the truth, yeah, that’s it. Tell the truth. Not melodrama.
To tell the truth, this is one of my favorite articles from Gen. Satterfield. Whenever I miss a couple of days of reading his blog, then I come back and read and smile each time because I learn something important each time.
Winston, always great to see you back in the comments section.
👍👍👍👍👍
Yes, of course and so do I. For those that are new to this website, Gen. Satterfield discusses the most basic of human issues and takes a view that is not common but makes a whole lot of sense. Just read a few of the articles and you will see that is true. Also, get a copy of his books and read them too.
Thanks DOC!
The First Rule of a Good Life: Never Lie to Yourself
https://thomas-oppong.medium.com/the-first-rule-of-a-good-life-never-lie-to-yourself-dd37ada292b8
Plenty of people know this, and that is a good thing.
Gen. Satterfield’s famous quotes, “Your life will become much more straightforward, less anxiety-provoking, and more exciting and adventurous if you say what you think, or more importantly, don’t say those things you know to be untrue.” I think someone ought to be collecting them. Oh, BTW, read his Dougisms and you will just love it.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/dougisms-some-not-so-random-thoughts/#comment-517957
Here is a link direct to that page. Good luck and enjoy.
More great stuff from the leadership mind of Gen. Doug Satterfield. That is why I’ve been a fan now for a long time. If you haven’t got a copy of either of his books then, get off your a$$ and get yourself a damn copy.
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
“55 rules for a Good Life”
Yes, a truly great book of basic rules on how to live a simple, honest life. 😎
Get a copy of Gen. Satterfield’s book but also read it and read a chapter per day. I’ll be you will be drawn into his book quickly and will want to read it in one day. I did. But then I had to read it again, that time much more slowly.
Rule 3 should be Rule 1. But, hey who is counting any way. I do believe, however, that recognizing that the world does not owe you anything (Rule 1) is darn important.
Wonderful, nuff said (ha ha ha, I’m emulating Gen Satterfield as if no one noticed). “Nuff said” is one of his great comments to put an exclamation point on something important. We all need to emphasize ideas and his idea about telling the truth is one of them. Nuff said.
Yet, NUFF SAID. Don’t ya just love it …….. ?
Getting a little off track here, aren’t we, girls !! The idea here is that telling the truth, the brutal truth (it hurts and that is better than letting the real world hammer you into the ground). The truth will, indeed, set you free. Let’s stick to that theme and let it be part of our lives forever. That is the only way to be truly authentic as a human and loved by those who matter the most.
Great discussion today on the leadership forum. No wonder that this is the first thing I read every single day.
Yep, exactly my thoughts too.
Good rule. Tell the truth and you won’t betray folks or be corrupted yourself.
Rule 3? Not rule 1? Uh. Maybe I was taking my eye off the rule ball.
?? Fred, what are you saying?? I think Gen. Satterfield is pretty clear that the number one rule in life is to tell the truth, or at least don’t lie. That has been his theme for years. He repeats it on occasion so new readers get an inkling where he is coming from.
He is setting the stage for hitting a home run with rule #3.
… and get your copy now of “55 Rules for a Good Life”
https://www.amazon.com/55-Rules-Good-Life-Responsibility/dp/1737915529/
Never lie, cheat, or steal. The reason is that it is an excellent starting position to straighten out your life. And, of these, never lie is the most crucial of all.