Few modern thinkers blend wealth creation and inner peace quite like Naval Ravikant, co-founder of AngelList and the inspiration behind The Almanack of Naval Ravikant.

His ideas cut through noise. They’re simple. Clear. Practical. And if you sit with them long enough, they can completely reshape how you think about business, happiness, and life.

Here are some high-level Naval insights to power you through your week:

1. Optimism Is a Competitive Advantage

In business, optimism adds 25 points to your IQ.

Why? Because optimistic people see opportunities where others see obstacles. They persist longer. They attract better talent. They take intelligent risks. Optimism isn’t naïve — it’s strategic.

2. Life Is a Single-Player Game

Everything you experience is processed in your own mind. Comparison is optional. Ego is optional. Misery is optional.

The real game is internal.

3. Study the Foundations

If you want leverage in life, study:

• Microeconomics

• Game theory

• Psychology

• Persuasion

• Ethics

• Mathematics

• Computers

These disciplines compound. They help you see how the world actually works.

4. Desire Is Suffering

As Gautama Buddha taught, desire creates suffering.

Much of our stress comes not from circumstances, but from craving — wanting things to be different than they are.

Master desire, and you master peace.

5. Greatness Comes from Suffering

Growth requires friction. Strength requires resistance. Depth requires hardship.

Comfort rarely produces excellence.

6. In Negotiation, Whoever Cares Less Wins

Neediness is weakness.
Attachment clouds judgment.
Leverage comes from being willing to walk away.

7. Be Present

Above all else — be here.

Most anxiety lives in the future. Most regret lives in the past. Power lives in the present moment.

8. If It’s Not a Clear Yes, It’s a No

Indecision drains energy.
If you’re unsure, default to no.
Protect your time and attention.

9. Reading Is a Superpower

High achievers read. A lot.

Reading expands perspective. It compresses decades of experience into hours. It builds judgment quietly but powerfully.

And teaching? That’s how you truly learn.

10. Compound Interest Is Life’s Hidden Engine

The biggest gains in life come from compounding:

• Knowledge

• Relationships

• Reputation

• Habits

• Money

Small consistent improvements beat dramatic short bursts.

11. Praise Specifically. Criticize Generally.

As Warren Buffett advises: praise specifically, criticize generally.

Specific praise builds trust. Public criticism builds resentment.

12. Audit Your Thoughts

Track your thoughts.
Ask yourself: “Why am I thinking this?”

Self-awareness is the foundation of self-mastery.

13. Math Is the Language of Nature

Understanding math improves clarity. It teaches precision. It trains structured thinking.

Clear thinking leads to better decisions.

14. Happiness Is a Skill

Happiness isn’t luck. It’s not circumstance. It’s not achievement.

It’s a skill — one that can be trained.

True happiness comes from aligning your actions with your purpose.

15. The Real Wealth

A calm mind.
A fit body.
A house full of love.

These cannot be bought.
They must be earned.

Naval’s philosophy ultimately blends wealth and wisdom. Build intelligently. Think clearly. Suffer well. Love deeply.

And remember — the real game is inside your own head.