Ray Dalio’s Post

I agree with you that one must have principles. The idea that one must consciously formalize and systematize their principles seems very odd. I don't think I am special; I had principles, rudimentary, by the time I was two and they grew from there. This paragraph is about personal principles. Businesses absolutely need to be principled, regardless of how they do it. Most businesses have aMission Statement in which they declare the aspects of their business that they thin are important to *being* in that business. The list of possibilities is long. Honesty, fairness, truth, and a good number more.They are worth noting, but most are subsets of the basics. Who I am every day is a representation of the sum of my principles, setting firmly as I grew up. They are so integral to me that it would never occur to me to spend time to find formalize them. Other than a Mission Statement, this idea is really odd. I don't need to write mine down. I live them. People with principles are easy to spot. The hard part is differentiating the snakes.

The highest level of congruence in your strategies and procedures with respect your life and business values is the key to achieve success. Richie Bandler cofounder of NLP taught me the importance of congruence 30 yrs ago. I went: “and QC, Richie? What do you think about it?” “Well I assume you do it all the time, otherwise you would be in big trouble”.

Ray, just read Principles of Changing world order. This should be required for all economics/ history/ social studies. We've all known all the dots, see all the dots, experience all the dots, and your book does so eloquently of connecting those dots over a change. It is the most ingenuous way of bridging calculus and other maths to history without saying so. Well done. Pure genius. Also purchased on Audible to review various chapters while driving. Pure excellence, you should be so proud of your work. Best, J.

What’s the best framework for systemizing principles? I need a good book on systemizing and systematization. Any recommendations?

Absolutely true! 🌟 Principles without consistent application are like unused maps. Turning them into habits is the compass to navigate life effectively. Bridgewater's approach is a valuable reminder to integrate principles into daily routines. Let's all strive for a life where our values shine through our actions! 💪🚀

I 100% agree. Having systematized principles (and being principled in how you enact them) is a gamechanger. One of the most important principles for me are those I use for making decisions. Check out my recent article if you want to read about them :) https://medium.com/p/ef4e75a98dc0

Strong concepts must be incorporated into daily decisions, but their impact is constrained without systematic reinforcement. Making use of these guidelines a habit assures consistency. Bridgewater's admirable strategy incorporates fundamental values into its practices and culture, ensuring a long-lasting congruence between beliefs and deeds for both people and the group. Well said, Ray.

I’d be interested for everyone to write five principles they follow that guide their own lives. My hunch is that we all are guided by similar principles. We just use slightly different vocabulary. We’re much more similar than we are different.