Which of my strongest beliefs are formed on second-hand information vs. first-hand experience?

If I could not compare myself to anyone else, how would I define a good life?

Whose views do I criticize that I would actually agree with if I lived in their shoes?

Who do I envy that is actually less happy than I am?

Looking back, am I any good at anticipating how I would feel and react to risks that actually occurred?

Is my desire for more money based on the false belief that it will solve personal problems that have nothing to do with money?

How many of my principles are cultural fads?

Whose silence do I mistake for agreement?

What kind of lifestyle would I live if no one other than my immediate family could see it?

What events nearly happened that would have fundamentally changed my life, for better or worse, had they occurred?

What views do I claim to believe in that I know are wrong but I say them because I don’t want to be criticized by my employer or industry?

How much of what I do is internal benchmark (makes me happy) vs. external benchmark (I think it changes what other people think of me)?

Am I thinking independently or going along with the tribal views of a group I want to be associated with?

Whose approval am I auditioning for?

Which of my principles would I abandon if they stopped earning me praise and recognition?

If I could see myself talk, what would I cringe at the most?

What question am I afraid to ask because I suspect I know the answer?

How much have things outside of my control contributed to things I take credit for?

How do I know if I’m being patient (a skill) or stubborn (a flaw)?

What crazy genius that I aspire to emulate is actually just crazy?

What strong belief do I hold that’s most likely to change?

Which future memory am I creating right now, and will I be proud to own it?

Am I addicted to cheap dopamine?

If I were on my deathbed tomorrow, what would I regret most?

Morgan Housel • A Few Questions