When I was a boy, my father often pulled me aside to convey lessons intended to build what we generally refer to as ` character ` . Often his advice was very simple - work hard, think for yourself, do right by others - but I believe those lessons provided the foundation for everything that has followed in my life. Now that I ` m a dad myself, I wanted to put them down in one place, with examples of my own experiences, as a guide to life, adventure, and investing, both for my young daughters and for anyone seeking success in his or her chosen field. I hope that parents will be inspired to give this book to their children, and vice versa, as many of the lessons that I have learned apply not just to young people but to all adults - for example, question everything, never follow the crowd, and beware of boys - A Gift to My Children.