© Dumitru Ghereg, 2025
ISBN 978-5-0067-1050-4
Created with Ridero smart publishing system
The Manifesto
I am me, and no one else.
I am not a victim of circumstances, not an echo of someone else’s expectations, and not a shadow of someone else’s decisions.
I am the source. The source of my energy, my strength, my life.
My life is my choice. My choice is my priority. And that priority – is always me.
I don’t make excuses for being anything less than I am. I don’t beg, I don’t plead, I don’t seek approval. I do not doubt, because I know: my worth is not up for discussion.
If someone steps onto my territory, I meet them with a gaze that holds peace – but also clearly shows my boundary.
I don’t shout, don’t tear my hair out, don’t explain myself.
I simply show where their space ends and mine begins.
And if someone doesn’t understand that – I smile.
I don’t waste energy on fighting. I simply make it known: here, where I am, everything is already decided.
I am not rude, not angry, not aggressive. I am clear as day.
I don’t rush, but I don’t stand still either.
I walk my path, steadily and calmly, because I know: each step is a part of my journey.
I don’t call people to follow me, but if someone chooses to – I will be glad.
I am the source.
Those who decide to walk beside me will do so with pride, not trying to overshadow my light.
I don’t gamble with my peace. I don’t tolerate unnecessary noise in my life.
I prioritize myself – my harmony, my worth, my truth.
I follow myself, and let this path be full of fire, brilliance, and light.
Let every step be confident.
Because if someone suddenly stands in my way – I will walk on, smiling.
Introduction
Maybe you’re already tired of people telling you how to live your life every single day. Society, friends, colleagues, relatives – everyone seems to know what’s best for you. «Be like everyone else.» «Don’t stand out.» «Don’t take risks.» «Do as you’re told.» «Don’t argue.» «Don’t even try – it won’t work anyway.» «Don’t dream; don’t have your head in the clouds.» All these phrases sound like spells trying to keep you within the boundaries set by others.
But what if I told you that the most important thing in life is learning how to say, «To hell with that!» to all those rules and other people’s opinions?
We all tend to worry about what others think of us. We’re afraid of looking weird, of being judged, of not fitting in. But the truth is, happiness isn’t about living by someone else’s script. Real happiness begins where other people’s opinions end. And if you’re ready to break free from that cycle and be yourself, then this book is for you.
Each of these 100 rules is a step toward true freedom. They will teach you to be strong, confident, and unafraid to defend your boundaries. This is real «weaponry» that will help you carve out your place in the sun. You’ll learn to say «no» to everything that limits you, and «yes» to everything that makes you stronger. You’ll grow stronger every day – and no one will stand in your way. Because now you’ll know how to say: «To hell with that!» to anyone who tries to dictate your life.
If you’re ready to smash through all the barriers and start living your own life, then keep reading. There’s no place here for doubt, weakness, or compromise. It’s just you – and your freedom.
Law 1. If you don’t like it, leave
We often endure bad jobs, toxic people, countries where freedom is suffocated, projects that lack life. Why? Because the system raises patient, compliant people. But the truth is that life is not about survival – it’s about choice. If you don’t like something, leave – not out of weakness, but out of respect for yourself. You’re not a tree. You’re not rooted in a place, a job, or among people who don’t respect you.
If everything inside you is screaming, «This isn’t right for me,» don’t ignore that voice. That is your inner truth, your strength. Leaving doesn’t mean showing weakness. It means declaring: «I deserve better.» The world is huge. There are oceans of opportunity. Why stay somewhere you’re not heard, not valued, not growing? You’re not obligated to be part of an environment that breaks you.
Every time you say «no» to what doesn’t suit you, you get closer to what you’ll love. Leave – and build something that lights you up every morning.
History is full of examples where the phrase «If you don’t like it – leave» wasn’t just a decision, but a turning point that changed people’s lives – or even the course of history. Albert Einstein left Germany in a hurry because the values he stood for were incompatible with the Nazi regime. Moving to the U.S., he gave up a prestigious career, but it was in exile that he became the Einstein the world knows today.
In 1985, Steve Jobs was fired from his own company, Apple, which he had founded. His ideas were deemed too radical, his style – too aggressive. It seemed like failure. But Jobs didn’t break. He walked away because he no longer saw the point in fighting for space that wasn’t given to him. And you know what he did? He founded NeXT, where he developed new ideas. He invested in and built up Pixar, which later released Toy Story and revolutionized animation. And 12 years later, he returned to Apple – and turned it into one of the most influential companies in human history.
Leaving is not the end. It’s the beginning of a new path. Just like Oprah Winfrey, who left an environment where she was humiliated and built her own empire. She grew up in poverty, endured abuse, but didn’t become a victim. She walked away from the toxic space where she was considered «nobody» – and became a voice for millions.
True leaders don’t cling to stability – they walk away to create their own freedom. India, once a colony, walked away from the British Empire. Gandhi came, and millions said, «Enough.» They didn’t tolerate. They chose freedom.
The rule «If you don’t like it – leave» isn’t a whim. It’s a choice – a choice to respect yourself, not to cling to toxicity, not to endure something just because «that’s how it’s done.»
If you’re already feeling uneasy – great! That means you’re being honest with yourself and realizing how many times you’ve broken this rule – and what it has cost you.
Law 2. You can die, but you can’t lose
As long as a person is alive, the game isn’t over, and losing is impossible. They may fall, make mistakes, face failures, pain, and loss – but the very possibility of changing the course of events remains. Life, by its nature, is a process, not a result. Defeat in life is impossible unless a person gives up internally. Even the hardest situation is not an ending but a transition – a chance to make a new choice.
True defeat does not come from the outside – it cannot be imposed. It is born within, when a person decides they will no longer fight, dream, or hope. Surrender is the moment a person stops believing in the possibility of change, in themselves, in the meaning of every new effort. It is a quiet agreement with hopelessness that renders them powerless, even if, outwardly, they continue to live. But as long as there is even a spark of desire in the heart to move forward, to seek, to build, to love – the person is undefeated.
Even among ruins, even in loneliness, even after all failures – if they choose to go on, they remain a player. And that means they can still win.
Law 3. Owes nothing to anyone
«Owe Nothing to Anyone» is about striving for self-sufficiency, not selfishness. It’s a position where a person does not want to depend on external resources – whether money, support, or help. They try to reach a point where, in any situation, they are not bound by obligations to other people. The goal is to stay as independent and free in your decisions and actions as possible.
But don’t take this principle too literally! In real life, it’s hard to follow completely, because social relationships and the economy are structured in such a way that interaction with others often involves certain obligations – be they material, emotional, or legal.
People who adhere to this principle are less likely to end up in situations where they can be manipulated or exploited due to debts or duties. A «debt» in this context is not necessarily financial – it can be a moral or social debt. For example, if someone helps you and later expects you to return the favor, you may feel that you depend on that person and can’t make your own decisions without considering those obligations.
Ignoring this principle can have unpleasant consequences.
In Hollywood history, Marilyn Monroe was known for frequently finding herself dependent on producers and men who helped her build her career. For example, producers like Joseph Schenck and Darryl F. Zanuck offered her roles and opportunities, but in return, she had to comply with their demands – both professionally and personally. This created a sense of dependence on these men, which ultimately became part of her tragic fate.
Elvis Presley loved performing and dreamed of a world tour, but he ended up trapped in a «golden cage.» Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager, controlled many aspects of his career. Parker used his influence over Elvis to profit from his success, including pushing him into performances and contracts that weren’t always in Presley’s best interest. Parker was adamantly against a world tour. Elvis, on the other hand, depended on his manager despite Parker’s manipulative ways.
In the final years of his life, Elvis Presley often performed in Las Vegas, particularly at the International Hotel, which was later renamed the Las Vegas Hilton, and then the Westgate Las Vegas. One hotel, instead of world tours. This is where he held most of his final residencies and gave more than 600 concerts from 1969 to 1976.
Law 4. Be selfish when it comes to yourself
Put your interests first in certain situations – especially when it comes to protecting your well-being, health, and achieving your goals. This doesn’t mean ignoring other people or their needs, but prioritizing your own well-being at critical moments in life can help you in the long run.
You deserve to be first in your own life. Yes, it sounds bold, but understand this: if you don’t take care of yourself, if you don’t place yourself on a pedestal, then who will? Your success, your energy, your dreams – they are your responsibility. Only when you are whole can you give the best version of yourself to the world. When you put yourself first, you become stronger. You become a role model for others. You create a world around you where your dreams come true, and others can draw inspiration from your confidence.
Sometimes, people are willing to sacrifice their own desires for the sake of others, especially when it comes to loved ones. But it’s important to remember that long-term neglect of your own interests can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and even resentment. In this context, selfishness is the ability to find a balance between your own needs and the needs of others.
Bruce Lee – a legendary martial artist, actor, and philosopher – clearly demonstrated how to be selfish by following his beliefs and ambitions. He created his own martial arts system – Jeet Kune Do – refusing to conform to traditional styles and methods. He believed that each person should adapt teachings to themselves rather than blindly follow established traditions. That was his form of selfishness: he put his own truth and pursuit of perfection first, even if it meant breaking the norms of the martial arts world.
Salvador Dalí, the famous surrealist artist, was one of the most eccentric people of his time. He constantly pushed boundaries in both art and life, refusing to follow societal norms. He chose what to paint, how to work, and how to express his ideas. Dalí was selfish in the sense that he followed only his desires and intuition, ignoring criticism. Thanks to this, he became an iconic figure in the art world, transforming the perception of painting and influencing entire generations of artists.
This law does not encourage selfishness in the full sense of the word, which means disregarding the interests of others. Rather, selfishness here calls for a reasonable respect for your own needs, which ultimately helps you become a more balanced, effective, and happy person.
Thus, while it’s important to care for yourself, one should not forget the responsibility toward others. The fourth law teaches that by putting yourself in the spotlight at the right moments, you can become more successful and help not only yourself but also others in the future.
Law 5. Respect yourself – the rest will catch up
Self-respect is the foundation of a successful and harmonious life. Self-respect is not just about having a good attitude towards your body or appearance. It is, first and foremost, an inner understanding of your own worth, acceptance of your strengths and weaknesses, and the realization that you deserve good things in life. Once you begin to respect yourself, you automatically attract positive people, opportunities, and resources. You become the person who will not allow yourself to go in circles of failure and mistakes. Your inner calm, confidence, and sense of dignity become the magnet that attracts success and happiness.
It is important to understand that self-respect is not the same as pride or self-satisfaction. It is the awareness of your own value and your right to happiness and respect from others. Self-respect is a daily discipline that allows you to love yourself as you are. It is the foundation for developing self-esteem and self-love. It is difficult to live a full, meaningful, and joyful life if you do not respect yourself first.
Learn to forgive yourself and accept your flaws, bad habits, and everything you dislike about yourself. Fight negative thoughts: pay attention to how your negative thought patterns affect your actions. Identify what triggers your negative thoughts, and rationalize them. For example, if a negative experience or lack of certain skills automatically makes you think you are unworthy, it may be helpful to become aware of this thought process and challenge it: «Even if I am not very good at singing, I am still worthy of love and respect.» Do not succumb to self-doubt. No one can make you feel unworthy of respect unless you allow them to do so. Find common ground with yourself and understand your strengths and values.
Law 6. Don’t feed those who bite
In life, we often encounter people who, when receiving help and support from us, not only fail to appreciate it but also turn our efforts against us. It’s like feeding a wolf that could bite you at any moment. This law serves as a reminder that it’s important not only to be kind and generous but also to know how to protect yourself from those who perceive our kindness as weakness.
You should not allow people or circumstances to use your kindness against you. This law can be interpreted as protecting personal boundaries and wisely refusing to help those who do not value your involvement. It’s important not to waste your energy and resources on those who do not appreciate your support. This does not mean being cruel or indifferent, but rather recognizing that your energy and attention deserve to be directed towards people and things that bring you joy and harmony.
Neglecting this law can lead to unpleasant consequences:
Napoleon Bonaparte, during his career, used his marshals as strategic elements of his power, but one of them, Joachim Murat, who was a close friend and relative, betrayed Napoleon at a key moment. Murat, trying to preserve his position, switched sides to Napoleon’s enemies and even became the King of Naples, which was a decisive moment in Napoleon’s downfall. Napoleon fed Murat with power and high status, but Murat used this for his own ambitions, betraying his former friend and patron.
Grigori Rasputin, despite his dubious reputation and scandals, was a close associate of the Russian emperor and even had influence over the royal family, especially Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. He received immense trust and support from the royal family, but eventually, this trust was used against them. Rasputin, manipulating the royal family and pursuing reckless policies, became a source of public dissatisfaction, which, in turn, exacerbated the crisis in the country and contributed to the revolution.
These examples show the consequences of being kind to the wrong people, how important positions and trust can be used for personal interests, ultimately leading to the destruction of the entire system you were supporting.
Law 7. Don’t kill the child in you
Don’t lose the freshness of perception. Don’t let the experiences and disappointments of adult life strip you of the ability to marvel at the world. Stay curious, open to everything new and unknown. For a child, one room is a whole universe. They crawl from one corner to another, touch, smell, and study every detail, marveling at every little thing. Do the same. Behave as if the whole world is your room. Explore it with the same awe and curiosity. Don’t get stuck in one corner, thinking that you’ve already understood everything and know it all. The world is infinitely multifaceted – and for those who can look at it through the eyes of a child, it will never stop being full of wonders. Don’t lock yourself in the narrow corner of your own ideas. Remember, knowledge never ends, and in every moment, there is an entire universe hidden.
As we grow older, we tend to think that knowledge is something accumulated, finished. We take pride in our skills, experience, degrees, and titles. But true wisdom begins where the illusion of omniscience ends. The world changes faster than we can comprehend. And those who stop learning, who close themselves off in their habitual views, begin to slowly fade away. In childhood, curiosity is natural. A child asks, tries, makes mistakes, and asks again. They are not afraid to admit that they don’t know something. They rejoice in every new discovery as a great miracle. But with age, fear and laziness often settle in us. We stop learning as freely, sincerely, and passionately as we once did. However, in the 21st century, the ability to constantly learn and show interest in everything happening around us – that very childlike curiosity – has become not just a useful trait, but a matter of survival. By maintaining that childlike curiosity within us, we give ourselves a chance not just to move forward, but to stay alive and see opportunities. True learning begins when we once again allow ourselves to be students – when we are not afraid to ask questions, admit mistakes, and look at the world with awe. Keep the child within you, the one who crawls around the room, touches the walls, listens to the rustle outside the window, endlessly asks «why?» and believes that there is something wonderful around every corner. Let adult maturity give you the strength to move forward, and let childlike curiosity be the fire that lights your way.
Elon Musk is a great example of how important it is to keep the «child» within – in terms of curiosity, dreaminess, and a willingness to innovate, despite success and age. Musk, being one of the most famous entrepreneurs and innovators of our time, remains a person who is not afraid to dream the impossible. His projects, such as SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink, often seem fantastical and ambitious, but it is this «childlike» belief that it is possible to change the world that drives him forward. Moreover, Musk is known for his boldness in making decisions that might seem risky. For example, his decision to invest in electric car production in the early 2000s, when the market was still not ready for mass production of such cars, or the idea of colonizing Mars, which many thought was an unattainable dream. He continues to ask questions, seek new solutions, and use his ability to look at the world with a clean and open perspective, which reminds us of that innocence and desire for discovery characteristic of children. His example shows how important it is to maintain imagination and not be afraid to walk uncharted paths, no matter how old you are or how many successes you have already achieved.