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Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier
Author: Kevin Kelly
Genre: Self-Help, Life Advice, Personal Development
Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired magazine, compiles a lifetime of wisdom into a book filled with short, insightful, and actionable advice. Rather than presenting complex theories, Kelly distills his learnings into practical aphorisms that guide readers toward a fulfilling and meaningful life. The book touches on various aspects of life, including relationships, personal growth, work, happiness, and decision-making. His advice is timeless and broadly applicable, serving as a guide for those seeking clarity and direction.
Introduction: A Guide for a Good Life
Kelly presents this book as a personal collection of insights—lessons he wishes he had known earlier in life. The wisdom shared is not about instant success but about making small, wise decisions that accumulate into a meaningful life. His guidance focuses on being useful, staying curious, practicing patience, and fostering strong relationships.
Rather than lengthy discussions, Kelly opts for concise yet powerful sentences that are easy to remember and apply. The book is structured as a series of short aphorisms, each acting as a standalone piece of advice.
- The Power of Small, Consistent Actions
• Life is built on daily habits, and small decisions shape long-term outcomes.
• Showing up consistently, even when uninspired, leads to mastery and success.
• “If you want to be interesting, be interested”—curiosity and engagement with life make you more appealing to others.
Key Takeaway: Success is rarely the result of one big decision but the accumulation of small, smart choices made consistently.
- Wisdom in Relationships
• “The best way to make friends is to do interesting things.”
• Being a good listener is more valuable than being a great talker.
• Long-term relationships—whether friendships or romantic—require deliberate effort and patience.
• “You will be judged by the company you keep”—surround yourself with kind, motivated, and honest people.
Key Takeaway: Relationships thrive when built on generosity, curiosity, and intentional effort.
- The Art of Decision-Making
• Avoid making important decisions when emotional—give yourself time to gain clarity.
• “Regret is worse than failure”—you will regret missed opportunities more than the risks you took.
• If something excites you but also scares you, it’s probably worth doing.
• When faced with two good options, choose the one that will leave the better story.
Key Takeaway: Thoughtful decision-making is about balancing logic, intuition, and long-term impact.
- Mastering Work and Productivity
• The best way to advance in your career is to be genuinely useful to others.
• “It’s better to be the only one doing something than the best one doing it.”
• Work smarter, not just harder—rest and recovery are essential for long-term productivity.
• “Focus is a superpower” in a world full of distractions.
Key Takeaway: Productivity isn’t about doing more, but doing the right things well and consistently.
- Happiness and Perspective
• Happiness is not a destination but a skill you practice daily.
• Gratitude is the easiest way to increase happiness—appreciate what you already have.
• Don’t compare your life to others; focus on defining success on your own terms.
• “Wealth is having control over your time, not just money.”
Key Takeaway: True happiness comes from perspective, gratitude, and autonomy over your time.
- Handling Failure and Uncertainty
• “Failure is just learning disguised as a temporary setback.”
• Uncertainty is inevitable; embrace it rather than resist it.
• “You don’t need a perfect plan to start—you just need to start.”
• Being adaptable and open to change is more valuable than having all the answers upfront.
Key Takeaway: Resilience and adaptability turn failures into stepping stones for success.
- Money, Wealth, and Success
• “Live below your means; financial freedom comes from spending less than you earn.”
• Experiences bring more long-term happiness than material possessions.
• “If you want to be rich, find ways to provide real value to others.”
• Wealth is not just about money but having time and freedom to do what matters to you.
Key Takeaway: Financial wisdom is about valuing freedom, minimizing unnecessary expenses, and focusing on meaningful experiences.
- Lifelong Learning and Growth
• Read widely—books are the most cost-effective way to gain knowledge.
• “The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”
• Writing things down clarifies your thoughts and helps you make better decisions.
• The best way to learn something deeply is to teach it to someone else.
Key Takeaway: Stay curious and keep learning; knowledge compounds over time.
- The Importance of Kindness and Generosity
• Small acts of kindness can have a bigger impact than you think.
• “Treat everyone with respect, not just those who can do something for you.”
• The habit of generosity—giving more than you take—leads to lasting success.
• Gratitude and kindness improve not just the lives of others but your own well-being.
Key Takeaway: Being kind and generous builds deeper relationships and leads to a more fulfilling life.
- Aging, Legacy, and Perspective on Life
• “Regret most often comes from things left undone, not mistakes made.”
• The older you get, the more you realize time is your most valuable asset.
• The best way to leave a legacy is to help and inspire others.
• Focus on what truly matters—health, relationships, and purpose.
Key Takeaway: As life progresses, your priorities shift—invest in what brings long-term fulfillment.
Conclusion
Kevin Kelly’s Excellent Advice for Living is a guide to making wise, intentional choices that lead to a meaningful life. The book is not about shortcuts but about timeless principles—being kind, staying curious, embracing uncertainty, and living with integrity.
While each piece of advice is simple, the cumulative effect is powerful. The book encourages readers to live deliberately, prioritize relationships, and focus on what truly matters. In the end, a good life is not about accumulating wealth or achievements but about making choices that align with your values and bring lasting fulfillment.
Quotes from Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly
Here are some of the most insightful and practical quotes from the book:
On Life and Perspective
1. “Regret most often comes from things left undone, not mistakes made.”
2. “Happiness is not a destination but a skill you practice daily.”
3. “The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”
4. “Wealth is having control over your time, not just money.”
5. “The older you get, the more you realize time is your most valuable asset.”
On Decision-Making and Success
6. “If something excites you but also scares you, it’s probably worth doing.”
7. “You don’t need a perfect plan to start—you just need to start.”
8. “Avoid making important decisions when emotional—give yourself time to gain clarity.”
9. “When faced with two good options, choose the one that will leave the better story.”
10. “Focus is a superpower in a world full of distractions.”
On Relationships and Social Wisdom
11. “The best way to make friends is to do interesting things.”
12. “Treat everyone with respect, not just those who can do something for you.”
13. “Being a good listener is more valuable than being a great talker.”
14. “Long-term relationships require deliberate effort and patience.”
15. “You will be judged by the company you keep—choose wisely.”
On Growth and Learning
16. “Read widely—books are the most cost-effective way to gain knowledge.”
17. “The best way to learn something deeply is to teach it to someone else.”
18. “Writing things down clarifies your thoughts and helps you make better decisions.”
19. “Stay curious—curiosity is the engine of lifelong learning.”
20. “Small, consistent actions compound into extraordinary results over time.”
On Work and Productivity
21. “It’s better to be the only one doing something than the best one doing it.”
22. “The best way to advance in your career is to be genuinely useful to others.”
23. “Rest and recovery are essential for long-term productivity.”
24. “Mastery comes from showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it.”
25. “A job that feeds your soul is better than a job that feeds your ego.”
On Wealth and Money
26. “Live below your means—financial freedom comes from spending less than you earn.”
27. “Experiences bring more lasting happiness than material possessions.”
28. “If you want to be rich, find ways to provide real value to others.”
29. “Invest in knowledge—it pays the highest returns.”
30. “Money is a tool, not a goal. Use it to buy time and freedom.”
On Mindset and Personal Growth
31. “Comparison is the enemy of joy—define success on your own terms.”
32. “The habit of generosity—giving more than you take—leads to lasting success.”
33. “A beginner’s mindset will take you further than an expert’s arrogance.”
34. “Don’t be afraid to change your mind when presented with better information.”
35. “Kindness costs nothing but has infinite returns.”
On Aging, Legacy, and Purpose
36. “The best way to leave a legacy is to help and inspire others.”
37. “You will never regret time spent with loved ones—make it a priority.”
38. “Health is your first wealth—take care of your body before you need to.”
39. “Regret fades, but the impact of the risks you take can last a lifetime.”
40. “Your time is the most valuable thing you own—spend it wisely.”
Kevin Kelly’s Excellent Advice for Living has garnered attention from various critics and readers. Here’s a summary of their perspectives:
Miller’s Book Review highlights the book’s origin, noting that Kelly began compiling aphorisms on his 68th birthday, which eventually expanded into this collection. The reviewer appreciates the range of topics covered and finds the advice useful, amusing, and thought-provoking. They mention that the book is engaging, prompting readers to underline and revisit various insights.
Goodreads shows an average rating of 4.22 out of 5 from over 4,200 readers. Readers describe the advice as profound and useful, with many noting its practical application across different aspects of life. The concise and memorable nature of the aphorisms makes it a favorite for those seeking daily guidance.
Amazon customers rate the book 4.6 out of 5 stars, praising its profound and practical advice. Many find it worth revisiting for its life lessons and appreciate the insightful aphorisms that serve as conversation starters. The book is also noted as an excellent gift choice due to its universal appeal.
Teesche.com describes the book as a “small one, containing 450 pieces of advice,” ranging from light-hearted to deep insights. The reviewer recommends taking time to reflect on each piece, suggesting that the book is an easy recommendation and makes for a great gift.
Yet Another Book Club expresses initial skepticism but ultimately finds the advice resonating with a rational worldview. The reviewer appreciates the concise and easy-to-read format, noting that the book is full of “grown-up” moments and plans to revisit it regularly.
Misframe refers to the book as “fun, useful, and a quick read,” mentioning that it’s worth rereading due to the valuable insights. The reviewer also suggests it as a good gift book.
Small Business Matters highlights the book’s origin and its wide range of topics, from setting ambitious goals to practical matters like travel. The reviewer shares several favorite pieces of advice from the book, emphasizing its applicability to readers of all ages.
In Retrospect notes that each piece of advice is “short and pithy,” capturing aspects of self-improvement and real-world insights. The reviewer finds the book to be “fast food for self-help,” easy to read and digest, with a mix of serious and light-hearted advice.
Overall, critics and readers alike appreciate Kevin Kelly’s Excellent Advice for Living for its concise, practical, and thought-provoking wisdom, making it a valuable resource for personal growth and reflection.
