Extracts from a message written by T Boone Pickens who died on September 11:

If I had to single out one piece of advice that’s guided me through life, most likely it would be from my grandmother, who made sure I understood that on the road to success there’s no point in blaming others when you fail.

My wealth was built through some key principles. A good work ethic is critical. Don’t think competition is bad, but play by the rules. I loved to compete and win. I never wanted the other guy to do badly; I just wanted to do a little better than he did.

Learn to analyse well. Assess the risks and the prospective rewards, and keep it simple. Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality in a good leader: avoid the “readyaim-aim-aim-aim” syndrome. You have to be willing to fire. Learn from mistakes. That’s not just a cliché. I sure made my share.

Remember the doors that smashed your fingers the first time and be more careful the next trip through. Be humble. I always believed the higher a monkey climbs in the tree, the more people below can see his ass. You don’t have to be that monkey.

Don’t look to government to solve problems the strength of [any] country is in its people. Stay fit. You don’t want to get old and feel bad. You’ll also get a lot more accomplished and feel better about yourself if you stay fit. I didn’t make it to 91 by neglecting my health. Embrace change. Have faith, both in spiritual matters and in humanity, and in yourself. That faith will see you through the dark times we all navigate.

HAVE FAITH IN SPIRITUAL MATTERS AND HUMANITY. THAT FAITH WILL SEE YOU THROUGH THE DARK TIMES WE NAVIGATE