2021-08-11 - Filippo Boninsegna

BOOK SUMMARY

I read the Blinkist summary (35% off here). Here is the gist.

Self-awareness. To find the right partner, start from knowing yourself better.
To change your mindset, tell yourself better and more accurate stories.
Love is work, compromise and boredom, too.
No partner will completely fulfill all of your needs all of the time.
Apologize sincerely and forgive sincerely.
Be fully present, as well as fully open.

Here are some nuggets of wisdom:

Persistence: many people give up too easily and miss out on accomplishments they’ll be proud of later on.
A few books everyone should read:

Man’s Search for Meaning: “we can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond.”
Deep Work: “Deep work is a superpower few people possess because they’re addicted to smartphones and devices. Conquer deep work, and you’ll accomplish much.”
Letters to a Young Poet: “Rilke teaches us how to survive as sensitive observers in a harsh world“. An excerpt from the book: “Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.”
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart: “any relationship is under the control of the person who cares the least.”
The Obstacle Is the Way: “The Stoics dealt with life objectively. They saw things as they were, not as they wished them to be.”

Empathy: “Learn to see through the eyes of others. Embrace empathy. Doing so will make you less judgmental, more understanding, and kinder. Failing to do so may make you egocentric and selfish.”
A piece of financial advice: “Less is more. Become a minimalist, and learn to save/invest your money. Do you own your things, or do they own you?”
Regrets: “Comparison is the thief of joy. What works for others doesn’t always work for you. It’s okay to admire others, but don’t envy them. Focus on personal improvement, embrace emotional maturity, and pursue your passions. The rest will take care of itself.”
There are no second chances to make a good first impression: “success rewards the prepared.“
Love: “Love is the most powerful thing in the universe. And it costs nothing to give.”
What’s one thing we must not think twice about spending? “Time with loved ones. Because someday, one of you won’t be there anymore.”