My son starts school today, some of your children, nieces and nephews probably started already, my son has been anxious to start 4th grade. It’s a big deal.

The basic principles you learn in school are applicable for years and years after you graduate:

1. Keep your hands to yourself.

2. Raise your hand if you have a question.

3. Treat others as you want to be treated.

4. Be polite.

5. No running in the hallways.

6. Share.

7. Use your inside voice inside and outside voice outside.

8. The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

I think most of those are pretty self explanatory, it’s something we’ve all grown up knowing, and if we didn’t follow these rules… Well, you know, mothers would be called, principals visited, behinds busted etc.

If you think about it, these are very good general rules of the working world and business world as well. Feel free to mention exceptions to these rules, because every rule has exceptions. But generally they’re good to follow and remember throughout life.

Personally I feel that number eight is the most important one, and the one I have always taken very seriously.

8. The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

If you don’t ask questions, as I’ve said before, you won’t ever learn all you need to know about anything, and really you never do learn all you need to know.

Embracing knowledge and a willingness to learn are the kind of qualities that are very valuable in the world, recognized easily because you stand out as a beacon. These are rare qualities in people. I would wager that the kind of people that remembered these lessons throughout life, have been the most successful.