My father instilled 4 important principles that I've lived by my entire life.
1. Be a person of your word. Always keep your promises no matter what. Do the thing you said you were going to do... no excuses.
2. An individual alone is not that powerful in the world. But you also don't need a huge crew. With one or two loyal brothers, you can be like an army.
3. Take chances. He never put me down if I failed. He would say... "Oh, well, you took a shot... next."
4. You may need to kiss a little ass from time to time, but never eat shit.
5. Don't be prejudiced. Color or background doesn't define someone. It's their character that matters.