When I was a boy, my father often pulled me aside to convey lessons intended to build what we generally refer to as "character". Often his advice was very simple work hard, think for yourself, do right by others but I believe those lessons provided the foundation for everything that has followed in my life. Now that I'm a dad myself, I wanted to put them down in one place, with examples of my own experiences, as a guide to life, adventure, and investing, both for my young daughters and for anyone seeking success in his or her chosen field. I hope that parents will be inspired to give this book to their children, and vice versa, as many of the lessons that I have learned apply not just to young people but to all adultsfor example, question everything, never follow the crowd, and beware of boys!

What a lovely, lovely book! Though I've read all you've written, this one really touched me.  It is, of course, a love letter to your daughters, which is not only a wonderful, meaningful thing to do, but it was filled with exactly the kind of advice all fathers should give. Your new book will stay on my shelf for a long, long time, and I'll be giving it to my own kids to read.
--Nicholas Sparks, author ofThe Notebook, Dear John, andThe Last Song

JIM ROGERS co-founded the Quantum Fund before he turned thirty and retired at age thirty-seven. Since then, he has served as a sometime professor of finance at Columbia Universitys business school, and as a media commentator worldwide. He is the author ofA Bull in China, Hot Commodities, Adventure Capitalist, andInvestment Biker. He recently moved to Asia with his wife and daughters.

Preface.

Introduction.

1. Swim Your Own Races: Do Not Let Others Do Your Thinking for You.

2. Focus on What You Like.

3. Good Habits for Life and Investing.

4. Common Sense? Not So Common.

5. Your Education, Part I: Let the World Be a Part of Your Perspective.

6. Your Education, Part II: Learn Philosophy; Learn to "Think".

7. Your Education, Part III: Learn History!

8. Your Education, Part IV: Learn Languages (and Make Sure That Mandarin Is One of Them!)

9. It Is the Century of China.

10. Know Thyself by Understanding Your Weaknesses and Acknowledging Your Mistakes.

11. Recognize Change and Embrace It.

12. Look to the Future!

13. Lady Luck Smiles on Those Who Continue in Their Efforts.

Epilogue.

About the Author.