Principles

Do you agree with Dalio’s division between work principles and life principles? Is there substantial overlap between the two areas, or are the two areas differentiated in some notable way? Explain your reasoning.

Dalio advises organizations to adapt his principles to suit their needs and situations. Which core principles do you think must be held on to, no matter how others are adapted? Why?

In “Work Principles: Putting It All Together,” Dalio writes that his wide-ranging principles can be boiled down to the importance of idea meritocracy. Do you agree with his statement? If so, why? If not, what do you think is the most fundamental of Dalio’s numerous principles?

Throughout Principles, Dalio places great emphasis on organizational culture. Bridgewater Associates is an organization that works hard and parties hard, according to him. Do you think that culture can or should apply to all organizations? Why or why not?

Radical transparency is one of Dalio’s core principles, and he expects it to be pursued almost universally. However, he does concede that transparency must be withheld to protect sensitive information from an organization’s competitors and in certain emergency situations. How would you characterize the sort of situations in which it would be just to withhold transparency? Discuss a hypothetical business situation in which you would withhold transparency and explain your reasoning.

Dalio regards computer programs and similar technology as essential tools to assist organizations with data analysis and decision making. However, he is cautious about technology, especially because computers do not have common sense, and people frequently do not understand the principles behind artificial intelligence (263). What additional concerns related to technology in the world of business do you think Dalio should consider?

What principles would you add to Dalio’s book to discuss aspects of business, goal setting, or related topics that you feel Principles does not cover or cover fully enough?

Dalio is the primary voice in Principles, but he points out people like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Dr. Martin Luther King, and Charles Darwin as inspirational shapers. Choose one or more of the shapers he mentions and discuss what their ideas contribute to the book or to Dalio’s ideas.