← the founders library

Principles [2011 text]

Ray Dalio

Book content checked: . What this means

Buy a copy
Amazon USAmazon UKAmazon DE

These are Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Founder connections

  • Nik StoronskyFavorite document, as identified in original interview notes
    The April 2021 20VC notes name Principles by Ray Dalio (PDF) as his favorite and link the 106-page 2011 text. This is not a recommendation of the expanded 2017 book; completed reading is not established.
    Source

Summary

The original document is titled Principles. The bracketed label identifies the 2011 version, not an official subtitle. Dalio divides the text into the purpose of principles, his life principles and management at Bridgewater. He asks readers to test their own goals, beliefs and choices, and describes how written rules can guide recurring decisions. This 106-page PDF predates the expanded 2017 book.

  • SourcePrinciples — Ray Dalio, 2011 PDF · PDF p.1 title and three-part outline, ©2011; PDF p.2 contents; PDF pp.4–5 introduction

Why read it Our view

Use this early text to examine how written decision rules connect goals, mistakes and management. Keep its version separate when comparing it with the later book.