Facts of Life

   There are certain basic facts of life that one should keep in 
   mind as he lives life: 

    - Competition is a very important element in life.  It is 
      pervasive in all aspects of life.  It manifests itself in 
      nature as "the law of the jungle", "the survival of the 
      fittest", and these same laws underlie much in the affairs 
      of man.  Much in life is about survival and man can be 
      expected to do what he has to do in order to survive. 
    
    - Man can usually be counted upon, in the last analysis, to 
      act in his own best interest.  Self-concern and self-
      interest will usually dictate on important issues. 
    
    - The strong will often bully and abuse the weak.  Whether you 
      are talking about physical abuse as from a bully in school 
      or a husband beating a wife or you are talking about mental 
      and emotional abuse as that of a superior towards a 
      subordinate, the strong very often abuse the weak. 

    - People tend to act in accordance with their emotional 
      inclinations.  It is basic emotional inclination that 
      usually determines what people do.  If you find yourself in 
      a subordinate position to a person who has an instinctive 
      dislike for you all the merit in the world, whether it be 
      intelligence, competence or good character, is not likely to 
      save you from him. 


   Because of these facts of life a prudent man realizes the 
   importance of being strong, of building up strength, of being 
   able to deal with others from a position of strength. 



   Q. What are the ways in which a person can "strengthen 
      himself", improve his position for dealing with others, and 
      reduce his vulnerability to hurt and abuse, while pursuing 
      the "game of life" in a competitive world? 

   A. By doing the following:

       - getting a college education or knowledge of some 
           specialized trade 

       - learning self-reliance

       - learning to live on little (and being satisfied with it) 

       - improving his mind through reading, reflection, etc.

       - saving money