In 1975, Ray Dalio founded Bridgewater Associates out of his two-bedroom apartment in New York City. Forty years later, Bridgewater is the fifth most important private company in the US and has made more money for investors than any other hedge fund in history. Along the way, Dalio discovered a set of unique principles that he believes are the reason behind this success, and that he now shares in this book.  While Principlesbrims with novel ideas, its core is a clear, straightforward approach to decision-making that anyone can apply no matter what they are seeking to achieve. The book also provides a blueprint for creating “an idea meritocracy that strives for meaningful work and meaningful relationships through radical truth and radical transparency,” which is the reason for Bridgewater’s success. Dalio shares the unconventional principles of life and work that turned this ordinary middle-class kid into one of the most successful people of our time.