50 Rules Kids Won't Learn in School: Real World Antidotes to Feel-Good Education Book

Bill Gates gave a speech to a high school in Texas I believe, and discussed several of these rules for which he has been attributed. However after some research I found the correct author and bought the book. Of all the books I have ever read this book struck so much more than a cord. I found myself nodding smiling and laughing out loud as I agreed with virtually everything Sykes was saying.
Many of the lessons that used to be learned in our journey through education and the early part of our lives have been lost or diluted to worthless. Sykes identifies this and offers 50 rules we should remember and try to instil in to our younger generations, and I dare say live by them ourselves.
Rule 1: Life is not fair. Get used to it.
It's not fair is an over used phrase by most teenagers and the focus of the first rule. Sykes discusses many examples of unfairness including natural disasters, critical illness, world hunger and even Stephen Hawking. He helps redress the perception of injustice by explaining "disappointment is a symptom of life". Unfortunately a symptom far too many young adults lack experience of as our generation appears to struggle with the word NO and the valuable learning experiences this can bring. We cant always have everything we want Sykes suggests that's an important life lessons everyone should learn.
Rule 7: If you think your teacher is tough wait until you get a boss…..
Rule 9: Your school may have done away with winners and losers. Life hasn't.
Rule 17: Your parents weren't as boring before you were born as they are now. They got that way paying your bills, driving you around, saving for your education, cleaning up your room and listening to you tell them how idealistic your are.
Fascinating insightful observations on the valuable lessons us 40 somethings learned during our child hood but our children are generally not. Do your kids and yourself a favour buy the book and learn from it.