'We systematically overestimate the role of success factors but at the same time we
systematically disregard the role of failure factors. Why? Because successful companies
projects and people make it into the media. Flops on the other hand - no one wants to hear
about them. Deadbeats don't usually write autobiographies. And in the rare event that they do
they fail to find a publisher or at the very least an audience. So we study these shining
examples and delude ourselves that success is the result of a series of carefully orchestrated
success factors when it's really about avoiding the things that kill success. Tip: Why not
visit the graveyards of failed companies projects people marriages and families instead?
That's where you'll learn the most - namely what to avoid.' Just as some people collect
vinyl video game consoles or vintage clothes for years Rolf Dobelli has been accumulating
stories of failure - botched attempts at work family life marriage and life in general. Using
information gleaned from some of the world's most innovative and curious minds as well as from
his own experience as a writer businessman entrepreneur and philosopher Dobelli skilfully
distils the 52 most important habits to avoid if you want to live a successful and ultimately
happy life.
