Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune is turning 50 and has decided to compile a list of 50 things that he has learned in his 50 years of experience.  The list is mostly interested and as confirmed or reaffirmed some notions that I’ve had so far, even though I am half his age.  Check out his post here.

I think I will make an attempt at writing the 24 things I’ve learned in 24 years as a youthful, next generation comparison to the original.

Anyhow, here are some highlights from Eric’s list:

1. It’s better to sing off key than not to sing at all.

6. The most valuable thing to have is a good reputation, and it’s neither hard nor expensive to acquire one: Be fair. Be honest. Be trustworthy. Be generous. Respect others.

8. Don’t be bothered when people don’t share your tastes in music, sports, literature, food and fashion. Be glad. You’d never get tickets to anything otherwise.

13. You can’t win arguing with police officers or referees, but every so often you can fight City Hall.

19. It’s never a shame when you admit you don’t know something, and often a shame when you assume that you do.

21. Fear of failure is a ticket to mediocrity. If you’re not failing from time to time, you’re not pushing yourself. And if you’re not pushing yourself, you’re coasting.

46. Be truthful or be quiet. Lies are hard to keep track of.

49. Whatever your passion, pursue it as though your days were numbered. Because they are.

It’s a pretty good list, you can get through it in less than 10 minutes.

Link:  50 things I’ve learned in 50 years, a partial list in no particular order

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