Note: This is an audiobook summary of the following book:

Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio

As one of the most successful investors and entrepreneurs in the world, Ray Dalio knows how the global financial system works. But, more importantly, he knows how to run a well-functioning business.

In Principles: Life and Work, Ray goes below the surface of the successful reputation of his stock brokerage company, Bridgewater, to reveal the universal truths that he relied on to bring his business from the bottom to the top.

Throughout this book, Ray shares the principles (many of which are unconventional) that he has developed and refined over the past 40 years. And, in the same way that these principles were vital for Bridgewater becoming a leading financial organization, Ray believes they can be harnessed by anyone to experience better results for their business or personal life.

Throughout Principles, Ray peels back the curtain on his time with Bridgewater, even walking us through how he started his business from the humble beginnings of a two-bedroom apartment. He explains in detail the trajectory of his multi-decade career and the pitfalls along the way that almost became disastrous. By splitting his book into three sections (“personal life”, “life principles”, and “work principles”), Ray simplifies his personal approach to success, and in this book summary, we’ll be looking at some of his most actionable ideas from the book.

Whether you are looking to bring your business to the next level or whether you’re just looking to discover some better ways to connect with yourself and with others, Principles will provide you with profound insight to continuously improve and not be afraid to demand the best from your life.

Here’s what you’ll learn about in this summary:

• The ways that the "rational you" and the "emotional you" fight in your life
• The five-step process for pursuing meaningful goals in life
• The best ways to move past your ego so you don’t hold yourself back 
• Why you need other people to be your best self
• How to hire the best person for your business
• What it means to go after second- or third-tier goals instead of first-tier ones

And much, much more.