According to my nephew these are the things I've taught him that he considers important...

1. Listen to understand, not just to respond.
2. When offered a beer, never ask what kind -Your favorite beer is free, your second favorite is cold.
3. Always offer to help, and never be too prideful to accept it.
4. Never owe money on anything without wheels or a foundation.
5. If you acquire something with a motor, buy the shop manual.

Nothing profound here, but at least he listened sometimes I guess.