Ten Basic Rules for Better Living

by Manly P. Hall

4th edition, copyright 1953, The Philosophical Research Society, Inc.

Genres: Philosophy, Self Help, Audiobook, Personal Development, Nonfiction, Mysticism, Psychology

52 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1996

About the author

Canadian born, Manly Palmer Hall is the author of over 150 published works, the best known of which are Initiates of the Flame, The Story of Healing, The Divine Art,Aliens Magick and Sorcery The Secret Teachings of All Ages, and An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy.
He was also the author of a masonic curiosity, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry in 1923, more than thirty years before he joined a lodge. The preface of later editions states "At the time I wrote this slender volume, I had just passed my twenty-first birthday, and my only contact with Freemasonry was through a few books commonly available to the public." Later, in 1944, he wrote The Secret Destiny of America which popularized the myth of a masonic purpose for the founding of the USA. In 1950 he weighed in again on the meaning of Freemasonry with his booklet: Masonic Orders of Fraternity.
***
Initiated: June 28, 1954
Passed: September 20, 1954
Raised November 22, 1954
Jewel Lodge No. 374
Source: Grand Lodge of California records ; William R. Denslow, 10,000 Famous Freemasons, vol. ii. Trenton, MO. : Missouri Lodge of Research / Educational Bureau, Royal Arch Mason Magazine, 1958. p. 165.

Reviews

[바람 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, precise, and accurate. Simple things that most people ignore. ✨️👍

[Hoda Marmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten Basic Rules for Better Living
1. Stop worrying
2. Stop trying to dominate and possess your friends and relatives
3. Moderate ambition
4. Do not accumulate more than you need
5. Learn to relax
6. Cultivate a sense of humor
7. Find a reason for your own existence
8. Never intentionally harm any other person
9. Beware of anger
10. Never blame others for our own mistakes

[Kantu Mutaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. That's all I can say. I love it.

[Megan Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, to the point. Loved this book.

[Cortney Evenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the title indicated, Ten Rules for better living.

These rules are a wonderful reminder of what steps will help us live a more productive and positive life...

How many are we incorporating and where we can tweak our daily habits to create a more fulfilling and functioning life...

Joy on Your Journey
Cortney

[Lisa Bircham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank goodness this was short and sweet because th at the only reason I forged ahead. Didn’t expect to learn anything new, and my expectations were met. Sometimes it’s nice to have a little reminder of things you already know, just to bring them back to the forefront. The language in this book however, made it almost unbearable. Witching a few minutes I had to stop and check to see when it was written. Pubishedbin 1953, not surprised. Read like a Shakespear was the author .. ok that’s a bit of an exaggeration. ‘To assume the more you have, the happier you will be, is sheer foley.’ Come on.
There were a few nice reminders though. I did stop and think about the question ‘How much would we be worth if we lost everything we have.’ In the end though I was glad it was only an hour of my life that I wont be getting back by finishing this book.

[Ingrid Bagarean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb life guide. Loved it.

[Scientia · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Do not worry.
2. Do not try to dominate friends and family.
3. Have moderate ambitions.
4. Do not accumulate more than you need.
5. Learn to relax
6. Cultivate a sense of humor.
7. Find a reason for your existence.
8. Never intentionally harm any person (neither with words or deeds).
9. Beware of anger.
10. Never blame others for your own mistakes.

These wise rules are applicable even in our time and age. Letting go of ego and thinking beyond the fast and furious bubble everyone is living in nowadays is the secret to better living.

[Ana-Maria]

"You cannot always be right, and you cannot also be always in trouble."

[scl.ashx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten Basic Rules for Better Living by Manly P. Hall is one of those books that makes you feel like you’re getting life advice from your eccentric uncle who knows *way* too much.

The rules themselves? Solid. I mean, they’re basic, but they hit hard. It’s like Hall just casually drops wisdom on you, but in a way that makes you feel like you’ve been living under a rock for not already knowing this stuff.

Sure, it’s not groundbreaking, but it’s thoughtful, introspective, and surprisingly refreshing. Would’ve rated it five stars if it didn’t feel like a self-help pamphlet sometimes. Still, it’s worth a read.

[TK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just loved this tiny book. It was written in 1953, but it's still timeless. I like how she gives different and new perspectives for ideas and behaviors. Personally, I liked the "Do not accumulate more than you need" and "Find a reason for you existence" rules, but what I really need to put into practices are the "Learn to relax" and "Do not worry".

These a the rules she talks about:

1. Do not worry.
2. Do not try to dominate friends and family.
3. Have moderate ambitions.
4. Do not accumulate more than you need.
5. Learn to relax
6. Cultivate a sense of humor.
7. Find a reason for your existence.
8. Never intentionally harm any person (neither with words or deeds).
9. Beware of anger.
10. Never blame others for your own mistakes.

[Marion Linke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to as audio book and read at the same time. This technique is very nice for smaller books, especially non-fictional books, I feel. The speed has to be put up in order to be able to listen and read at the same time.
This book is very small - only thirty-something pages. But it contents a variety of good advice and insights on how to live a happy life. Though I agree with all the 10 rules, one is particularly important to me right now: Find a reason for your own existence. The clearer the goal is, the easier it is to make decisions upon using your time, important/ unimportant things and choose pathes. This is, what I lack right now.

[Victor Henrique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This insightful book by esoteric scholar Manly P. Hall offers practical wisdom for leading a balanced, meaningful life. Unlike his more mystical works, this one is accessible and focuses on everyday philosophy, emphasizing personal responsibility, mental discipline, and ethical living.

Hall’s 10 rules cover themes like self-control, open-mindedness, kindness, and the power of thought. He also highlights the subconscious mind as a key force shaping one’s reality, arguing that conscious habits and attitudes deeply influence our inner and outer worlds. His guidance aligns with both Eastern and Western philosophies, encouraging a life of purpose, integrity, and harmony.

[Mohammad Yazan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"لدينا جميعاً شيء من السادية في ذواتنا؛ إذا ظُلمنا فإننا نبرر لأنفسنا ظلم الآخرين، وإذا جُرحنا فإننا نبرر لأنفسنا جَرح الآخرين "

"لا أحد لديه ما يكفي من الأصدقاء ليصنع عدواً واحد غير ضروري"
"احترس من الغضب"
"لا يمكننا أن نلوم أحداً على خطأ لمرة واحدة، لكن يمكننا أن نشكك بذكائه عندما يكرر الأخطاء ذاتها باستمرار"

عموماً الكتاب جيد، يعدد الكاتب فيه عشر قواعد أساسية في الحياة والتعامل مع الناس
الكتاب الصوتي متوفر على اليوتيوب

[alicesarchives · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must be in my philosophical era right now 💖. It’s so straightforward which made it easy to understand.
This really stood out to me:“ The height of wisdom for man is that he shall know what to do next, and the height of courage is the strength to do that which should be done. If we are unable to accomplish this integrity within ourselves, we should realize that future happiness and security must be attained through the redirection of our habits and attitudes.”

[V. Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight-forward read. I do not believe this is a comprehensive list by any means, but it is a nice guidebook for those looking to fix the most troublesome and obvious flaws in modern life. While this book was written in the 50's, I cannot help but think that these lessons apply more to today than ever before.

[Giovanni Cavallini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved that this book was short & to the point. It covered all ten rules fairly quickly & didn't waste time beating around the bush or giving extended examples. The way the author's words lift from the page & can be felt during these years, is amazing. Rules for better living that are still applicable in 2023. Makes me want to explore other works by the author.

[Janice J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good reminder on going back to basics. Even though it was published around 70yrs ago, the rule of thumb still remains. Reminds me of not worrying too much, the importance of remembering what we have in the present moment and also a sense of humour goes a long way! I'm glad I came across this.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book was written in the 1950’s and it still rings true. It seems that human behavior will forever be the same.
I will reread it. Because it is a nice reminder.
This is def the first self help book .

[Mark David Vinzens · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Happiness is a byproduct of good living. If we keep the Law, the Law will keep us. If we live well, we will reap a good harvest.”

~ Ten Basic Rules for Better Living (1953) by Manly P. Hall

[Mira Sturdivant · Rating 4 out of 5]

not my kind of thing at all but i read it out of curiosity to compare to modern self-help guides - surprisingly practical and simple. like a long article. no frills, all simple.

all still entirely relevant seventy years later. if i didn't know it was written in 1953, i would think it modern.

[Ayat Alahmed]

Simple, short and brief. Good one.

[Nkosinathi Ndlovu]

Not the typical kind of rules that I was expecting. Seems more down to earth, inciting quick implementation. :)

[Iami Menotu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight to the point

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manifesting- ABE - Angel Baby Energy / Lucky Girl

How to live, combined with Bible / God

[Rohan · Rating 3 out of 5]

i mean.. sure?

2.5/5

[M.R.K M.R.K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read for a short and straightforward book!

[Klea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Jay Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short read. Thought provoking and concise. Strongly recommend everyone reads this. Maybe twice.

[Climacus]

My first audiobook