Name: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Rating: 4.8 (10 reviews)
Author: Eric Jorgenson

"Play long-term games with long-term people." This book answers how to master the art of wealth and happiness by making better decisions and focusing on what truly matters.

1. Trust Your Doubts: If You’re Unsure, Say No

Modern life offers endless choices, from career paths to relationships. But too many options can lead to decision paralysis. Naval Ravikant suggests a simple rule: if you’re unsure about a decision, the answer is no. This approach helps avoid long-term regret and wasted time.

Our brains evolved in environments of scarcity, where choices were limited. Today, with countless opportunities, we often overanalyze decisions, creating pro-con lists or second-guessing ourselves. This mental tug-of-war is a sign that the decision isn’t right. Trusting your gut and saying no can save years of hardship.

This principle applies to major life decisions like choosing a partner, a job, or a city to live in. If you’re hesitating or feel the need to justify your choice excessively, it’s better to walk away. Saying no clears the path for better opportunities that align with your true desires.

Examples

Hesitating over a job offer despite its high salary? It’s likely not the right fit.
Debating whether to buy a house but feeling unsure? Trust your doubts and wait.
Unsure about committing to a relationship? Saying no now can prevent future heartbreak.

2. Reputation Is Your Most Valuable Asset

Building a good reputation is like investing in compound interest—it grows exponentially over time. A strong reputation opens doors, builds trust, and simplifies relationships, both personal and professional.

Reputation is earned through consistent actions and integrity. People trust those who have proven themselves reliable over years. This trust reduces friction in negotiations and collaborations, making life smoother. Just as financial investments compound, so do the benefits of a solid reputation.

However, not all investments are worth your time. If you’re pursuing something that doesn’t align with your values or long-term goals, it’s better to let it go. Focus on relationships and projects that truly matter, as these will yield the greatest returns over time.

Examples

A CEO trusted by investors due to years of ethical leadership.
A long-term friendship where mutual trust eliminates the need for constant explanations.
Dropping a college course that doesn’t align with your career goals to focus on more relevant subjects.

3. Envy Blocks Wealth Creation

If you secretly resent wealth or those who have it, you’ll struggle to create it for yourself. Envy traps you in a zero-sum mindset, where someone else’s success feels like your loss. This mindset prevents collaboration and growth.

Naval explains that wealth creation is a positive-sum game. Unlike status games, where one person’s gain is another’s loss, wealth can grow for everyone. To succeed, you need to work with people who are more successful than you. Resentment or envy will sabotage these relationships.

Instead of envying others, focus on learning from them. Adopt a mindset of abundance, where you see opportunities to grow together. This shift in perspective not only helps you build wealth but also fosters healthier, more productive relationships.

Examples

Avoiding collaboration with a successful colleague out of jealousy.
Viewing a wealthy entrepreneur as a role model instead of resenting their success.
Shifting from competing with peers to finding ways to create value together.

4. Money Buys Freedom, Not Happiness

Money is a tool, not an end goal. It can solve external problems and provide freedom, but it won’t bring inner peace or happiness. Loving money for its own sake leads to dissatisfaction and stress.

Naval emphasizes that money’s true value lies in the freedom it provides. It allows you to focus on what matters most, whether that’s pursuing a passion, spending time with loved ones, or exploring personal growth. However, if you become obsessed with accumulating wealth, you risk falling into a cycle of endless desire and fear of loss.

To use money wisely, avoid lifestyle inflation. Keep your expenses modest even as your income grows. This approach ensures that your financial freedom increases, rather than trapping you in a cycle of needing more to sustain an upgraded lifestyle.

Examples

A wealthy individual who feels trapped by their high-maintenance lifestyle.
A minimalist who uses their savings to travel and explore their passions.
Avoiding the temptation to buy a luxury car to maintain financial flexibility.

5. Happiness Is a Choice to Live in the Present

Happiness isn’t about achieving goals or acquiring things—it’s about being present. Naval draws on Buddhist and Taoist teachings to explain that happiness comes from accepting the present moment without judgment.

Our minds often dwell on the past or worry about the future, creating unnecessary stress. By focusing on the present, we can let go of desires and judgments that disturb our peace. This doesn’t mean suppressing emotions but rather observing them without attachment.

Children are a great example of this mindset. They live in the moment, free from the burdens of past regrets or future anxieties. As adults, we can relearn this skill through practices like mindfulness and meditation.

Examples

A child playing joyfully without worrying about tomorrow.
Practicing mindfulness during a walk by focusing on your surroundings.
Letting go of frustration over a missed opportunity and enjoying the present.

6. Quieting the Monkey Mind Brings Peace

Our minds are like monkeys, constantly swinging from one thought to another. This mental chatter prevents us from experiencing true happiness. To find peace, we need to quiet this “monkey mind.”

Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind. It helps you focus on the present and let go of distracting thoughts. This doesn’t mean eliminating thoughts entirely but learning to observe them without getting caught up in them.

Quieting the mind can take many forms, from traditional meditation to activities like hiking, journaling, or even showering. The goal is to find what works for you and make it a regular practice.

Examples

Sitting quietly for 10 minutes each morning to meditate.
Journaling your thoughts to clear mental clutter.
Finding peace during a long hike in nature.

7. Happiness Is a Skill You Can Practice

Happiness isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you can develop. Like any skill, it requires practice, experimentation, and the willingness to try new things.

Start by exploring different methods to calm your mind and bring yourself into the present. This might include meditation, yoga, or creative hobbies. Be open to ideas that challenge your beliefs, as they might lead to unexpected benefits.

Building good habits is another key to happiness. Simple changes, like reducing sugar intake or limiting social media use, can have a big impact on your mood and overall well-being. Over time, these habits create a foundation for lasting happiness.

Examples

Trying both yoga and meditation to see which helps you feel calmer.
Cutting back on caffeine to stabilize your energy levels.
Limiting screen time to improve focus and reduce stress.

8. Play Long-Term Games with Long-Term People

Success in both wealth and happiness comes from thinking long-term. This means building relationships and pursuing goals that align with your values and have lasting benefits.

Short-term thinking often leads to quick fixes that don’t address the root of a problem. By contrast, long-term thinking encourages patience, persistence, and a focus on sustainable growth. This applies to both personal and professional life.

Surround yourself with people who share this mindset. Long-term relationships built on trust and shared values create a strong foundation for success and happiness.

Examples

Investing in a friendship that grows stronger over decades.
Choosing a career path that aligns with your passions and values.
Partnering with colleagues who prioritize integrity and collaboration.

9. Pain Now, Happiness Later

Short-term pain often leads to long-term happiness. Whether it’s working out, learning a new skill, or making a tough decision, enduring discomfort now can pay off in the future.

Our brains are wired to seek immediate gratification, but this often leads to poor choices. By leaning into short-term pain, you can make decisions that benefit you in the long run. This mindset shift helps you prioritize what truly matters.

Think of it as an investment. The effort you put in today compounds over time, leading to greater rewards and satisfaction down the road.

Examples