H Jackson Brown Jr

• Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
• Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
• Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.
• Overtip breakfast waitresses.
• Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.
• Never resist a generous impulse.
• Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
• Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink.
• Leave everything a little better than you found it.
• Call your mother.
• Accept a breath mint if someone offers you one.
• Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt, but it's the only way to live life completely.
• Never drive while holding a cup of hot coffee between your knees.
• In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
• Eat a piece of chocolate to cure bad breath from onions or garlic.
• Never remind someone of a kindness or act of generosity you have shown him or her.
• Bestow a favour and forget it.
• When you get really angry, stick your hands in your pockets.
• Accept the fact that regardless of how many times you're right, you will sometimes be wrong.
• Every once in a while ask yourself the question, If money weren't a consideration, what would I like to be doing?
• Never give anybody a fondue set or anything painted avocado green.
• Remember the 3 Rs: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
• Plant zucchini only if you have lots of friends.
• Take along a small gift for the host or hostess when you're a dinner guest. A book is a good choice.
• Never be photographed with a cocktail glass in your hand.
• Don't marry a woman who picks at her food.
• Take off the convention badge as soon as you leave the convention hall.
• Write a short note inside the front cover when giving a book as a gift.
• Never give a gift that's not beautifully wrapped.
• Don't think expensive equipment will make up for a lack of talent or practice.
• Learn to say "I love you" in French, Italian, and Swedish.
• When you are totally exhausted but have to keep going, wash your face and hands and put on clean socks and a clean shirt. You will feel remarkably refreshed.
• Life will sometimes hand you a magical moment. Savour it.
• Don't confuse comfort with happiness.
• Check for toilet paper before sitting down.
• Marry a woman you love to talk to. As you get older, her conversational skills will be as important as any other.
• Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or sleep all you want.
• Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
• Purchase one piece of original art each year, even if it's just a small oil painting by a high school student.
• Keep your private thoughts private.
• Don't do business with anyone who has a history of suing people.
• Never say anything uncomplimentary about your wife or children in the presence of others.
• Apologise immediately when you lose your temper, especially to children.
• Get organised. Know where you are headed. But if something wonderful and unexpected comes along, be flexible enough to follow it.
• Remember that nothing important ever happens until someone takes a chance.
• Never pick up anything off the floor of a cab.
• In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
• Leave change where a child can find it.
• Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.
• When travelling the back roads, stop whenever you see a sign that reads "Honey for Sale."
• Don't outlive your money.
• When your dog dies, frame its collar and put it in a window facing west.
• Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
• Let some things remain mysterious.
• Never eat a sugared doughnut when wearing a dark suit.
• Keep and file the best business letters you receive.
• Hire people more for their judgement than for their talents.
• Love someone who doesn't deserve it.
• Regardless of the situation, react with class.

H. Jackson Brown Jr