Advice

I started building things when I was 12. I got serious about life at 16. In these years of getting my hands dirty, I've learned a few things—maybe you've heard them before, but they're a good reminder for me.

About Life:

• Ideologies & dogmas don't work. If you can't change your mind when new data comes in, you'll only be miserable.
• Be intense and go deep. Don't stay an amateur—master something.
• Take risks, but never risk so much that you can't get back in the game.
• Failure hurts—and that's how it teaches. Embrace the sting.
• Don't chase status; chase wealth. Reputation is a jail with no key.
• Be true to yourself. Everything else is secondary.
• Make friends online. The internet cancels the "where you were born" card.
• Don't try to be overly serious. Be as courageous as you can be.

About People:

• Trust your gut when it comes to people. Always.
• Being kind isn't a weakness—it's something we need more of.
• You'll disappoint many if you push your limits. And that's part of the journey.
• Don't listen to advice from those stuck in a world that no longer exists.

About Business:

• As Paul Graham said: "Do something people want." Even better if you're doing it for yourself.
• In investments, look for low odds and high rewards. It's not about the number of failures, but the magnitude of your successes.
• Build businesses that make money while you sleep.
• Cynicism is toxic; pessimism is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
• Start building now. Don't just dream about ideas.
• Learn to sell. Sell often.
• If you can build and sell, you're unstoppable.
• Don't ask for permission. Create your own leverage.
• Leverage is everything. Use what you have and keep acquiring new kinds.
• Don't wait. Time is chaos, and it doesn't care about your plans.
• Never optimize at the expense of others. Fairness pays off in the long run.
• Pay it forward. It's the best part of the journey.

About the Universe: