What advice for 20 year olds?

Here is some advice for 20-year-olds from Dwarkesh Patel and his guests on The Lunar Society podcast:

1. Focus on High-Impact Areas:

   • Think hard about societal questions and areas where you can be most effective. Address issues where profit might not be a primary motive, such as policy analysis, which can have a significant impact even if not immediately profitable. [1].

2. Long-Term Ambitions:

   • Work on interesting and innovative projects rather than optimizing for short-term gains. Investing in high-quality projects and skills can set you up for success in your 30s and 40s. [2].

3. Long-Term Investments:

   • Acquire generic, long-lasting skills like writing, communication, and social skills. These foundational skills are valuable across various fields and throughout your life. [3].
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       1

       Advice for 20 Year Olds

       00:52:19
       
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       2

       Pursuing Long-Term Ambitions

       01:30:03
       
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       3

       Long-Term Investments

       01:21:26
       
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       4

       Pursuit and Passion

       00:15:21
       
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       5

       Programming Pathways

       00:42:28
       
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       6

       Advice for Young People

       00:23:20
       
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       7

       Ambition and Embracing Uncertainty

       01:28:16
       
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       8

       Valuable Skills for the Future

       01:21:40
       

4. Pursuit and Passion:

   • Go all-in on your pursuits rather than seeking a balanced life in your 20s. Dedicate yourself to discovering and honing what you love to do. Explore different fields to find your passion before committing. [4].

5. Becoming a Programmer:

   • It's easier than ever to learn programming. Utilize online resources, books, and find mentors. Don't feel obligated to go to university if it's financially unfeasible. Practical experience and self-learning can suffice. [5].

6. Mentorship and Friendships:

   • Seek at least one good mentor, preferably more, and cultivate a small group of good friends. These relationships can provide guidance and support throughout your journey. [6].

7. Embrace Uncertainty:

   • Be ambitious and embrace uncertainty. It's normal to have doubts, but taking risks and being bold in pursuing innovative projects can lead to great opportunities. [7].

8. Valuable Skills for the Future:

   • Pursue education in fields complementary to technology, such as electrical engineering, computer science, data science, and design. Skills in these areas will be highly valuable as they enable you to race with technological advances. [8].

By focusing on high-impact, innovative projects, investing in long-lasting skills, seeking mentors, and embracing uncertainty, you can set a strong foundation for your future success.