knowmad is a cultural filter that strives to provide the unusual and the very best from sources such as the New York Times, reddit, Slate, Flavorpill, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, Paste, New York Magazine, the Economist, the Onion, as well as various other publications.  In addition, knowmad tweets (naturally), blogs and podcasts interesting alternative music.

Perhaps what makes us stand out from other filtering sites is we aren't just aiming for eye-candy and quick fixes, but, in some strange way, a quest for wisdom.  knowmad, then, aims to be an archive of a kind of "necessary" knowledge of the weird and the good so we can all grow together.  You may not always be able to get instant access to the cutting edge, but if it is worth it, it will be here soon enough.

Today's art:  Shane Hope -- Cartoon Trace Atoms

1.  Be honest.

2.  Remember that everything in life is OK unless it hurts you or someone else.

3.  Remember that life is short.  Maximize it (but don't think about this on a daily basis).

4.  Hope for the best.  Expect the worst. 

5.  Remember that life ALWAYS changes.  The second that you say, "I want the world to be like when I was younger.  There is no new good music. No good movies.  No books.  No new fashion," is the second that you might as well be dead.

6.  Always try to see the positive side of everything.  Bounce negative thoughts about all others outside of your head.

7.  Accept everyone.  Listen to everyone.  Avoid those who want to harm you.

8.  Remember that you can't really accomplish ANYTHING until you really understand who YOU are and what your limitations/capabilities are.

9.  Don't give advice unless you are asked for it.

10.  Remember that we always want more.  The secret is to strive for something better, yet be happy with what you have. 

11.  Harness whatever thrills you.  In other words, use self-control over the thing that you are passionate about.  Blowing your load is never as valuable as coming back to the source again and again.

12.  If you are feeling alone, imagine that another is near you.  This could be God, a future loved one, your best friend, etc.

13. Remember how to find the perfect mate (long version):

      (1)  Hold off as long as you can.  Permanent independence, though lonesome,
               is much more valuable than being locked into an unhealthy relationship

      (2)  Age the person in your mind and add fifty pounds.  Do you still want to be
                with him or her?

      (3)  Consider how this person would interact with your best friends and family.

      (4)  When you meet someone and truly cannot imagine losing him/her and
               this continues for some time, marry this person

      (5)  If a year goes by and you can imagine losing him/her, leave this person.

14.  Remember how to find the perfect mate (short version):  picture the one you like being married to your best friend.  How would you get along with him or her?

15. When confronted with a choice, consider the one where you will show the most dignity.  For example, stay away from entertainment that is, either explicitly or implicitly, based on highlighting the life of someone who is "lower" than you.  A way to easily find out if what you are considering doing has dignity...imagine the sleaziest person you know doing the same thing...if that rubs you the wrong way, don't do it.

16.  When dread arises, break it into component problems, then look at each smaller problem as positively and as realistically as possible.

17.  Live each day like a page from Huckleberry Finn (or other story you admire).

18.  Remember that the only things worth striving for are pleasure and significance for everyone.

19.  Remember that you will never have enough time or money for everything you want.  Prioritize.

20.  Hold on.

21.  Remember that there are infinite fish in the sea.

22.  Take nothing personally.

23.  Don't ever compare yourself to anyone.

24.  Remember that nothing you do matters in the long run, so just try to enjoy today (without depending on chemicals).

25.  Accept age gracefully.

26.  When not working, slow down.  You are only racing toward death.

27.  Remember the components of a good relationship (in no particular order):

       (1)  Regular, good sex.

       (2)  Companionship.

       (3)  Respect.

       (4)  Commonalities (backgrounds, beliefs, goals, interests, etc.)

       (5)  Mutual love and caring.

       (6)  Communication

28.  Remember that objective reality does not exist.  At best, only half of what you think and see is correct.

29.  Provided that your life is in order, keep those near you who can make you laugh. 

30.  Remember that, with few exceptions, the only person who deeply cares if you succeed in your own personal challenges is you.

31.  Remember that, despite what your instinct tells you, you will only be happy with a proper balance of challenge and support.  In other words, neither retire, nor dream of retiring, unless you have lots of things to keep you busy. 

32.  Always have a Plan B.

33.  When you are considering getting to know someone, never forget the following hierarchy, from most desireable state to least.

          (1) Love
          (2) Friendship
          (3) Solitude
          (4) Acquaintanceship

34.  Remember that there is nothing more foolish than doing something just to prove to yourself that you can do it.  But if that's all you've got, it's better than not doing anything.

35.  Remember that the second that you are 100% positive of something is the second that you are probably wrong.  In other words, the less ironclad opinions you have, the wiser you are.

36.  Remember that no one can ever know if what you are doing with your life is exactly right.

37.  When things work out, force yourself to appreciate them.  When they don't, force yourself to forget them.

38.  Improvise, adapt, and overcome (swiped from the Marine Corps).

39.  If you peak, strive for a new life challenge.

40.  Make your next five minutes good.

41.  Always have just a little bit more on your plate than you can manage in a given time frame.

42.  For a very realistic view of your next year, look carefully at your actions in your last.

43.  Meet as many people as you can.  You never know what will happen.