Tenzin Gyatso, Tibetan philosopher: “Love and great achievements require great risks”

As the 20th century came to a close, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, helped popularize his “18 Rules for Living,” a set of ethical and spiritual teachings designed to guide people through the challenges of the new millennium.

His principles touch on nearly every corner of modern life — from risk‑taking and lifelong learning to respect, responsibility, personal well‑being, generosity, and even environmental awareness.

Accept the possibility of failure

One of his earliest and most quoted rules is this: “Remember that great love and great achievements require great risk.” It’s a reminder that the most meaningful parts of life don’t arrive through passivity. They demand courage, openness, and a willingness to be vulnerable.

The Dalai Lama highlights two examples: love and achievement. When it comes to love, he explains, opening your heart means facing the possibility of rejection or emotional pain — but it’s the only path to a deep, authentic connection with another person. And when it comes to pursuing a goal, you have to step outside your comfort zone, knowing full well that you might stumble or fall short along the way.

Though these two areas may seem unrelated, he ties them together through what he calls the “Law of Proportionality.” In his view, the reward you receive is always proportional to the risk you’re willing to take. Play it safe, and life may feel steady — but it will lack intensity and growth. Aim higher, and setbacks become part of the journey.

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