AI Maxims

“Give AI an identity before you give it a task.”

“Constraints don't limit AI — they unleash its creativity.”

“One example is worth a thousand words of instructions.”

“If you want a smart answer, ask for thinking out loud.”

“Context quality beats prompt quality — always.”

“The context window is RAM — don't fill it with garbage.”

“RAG is an open-book exam — don't expect AI to memorize your textbook.”

“Structured input produces structured output.”

“Don't use a cannon to kill a fly — pick the right model for the job.”

“Wrappers are your real tools — models are just engines.”

“Fine-tuning is the last resort — not the first.”

“The first draft is clay — don't present it as the final product.”

“Output format is a feature, not a detail — always specify it.”

“Make AI review itself — it's its own best critic.”

“Don't start with a question — start with an artifact.”

“Artifacts are context suitcases — carry them from tool to tool.”

“Stack artifacts like bricks — each one builds on the last.”

“A living artifact beats a perfect one.”

“New chat for new task — don't pollute the context.”

“Long-term memory is your job — don't depend on the model.”

“Summarize before you continue — summaries are the best context investment.”

“Custom instructions are autopilot — set once, benefit forever.”

“Consult a second model — one opinion isn't an opinion.”

“Specialize each AI tool for its strength — don't use one tool for everything.”

“You are the leader — AI is your team, not your replacement.”

“Tell your AI you're sharing this with someone who has ADHD — simplicity improves to exactly the right level.”

“Ask for explanation as if teaching a curious 12-year-old — complexity vanishes, clarity stays.”

“"I'm presenting this to a CEO who has 2 minutes." Watch 10 pages become 10 sentences.”

“Tell AI your reader is a skeptical domain expert — it will improve reasoning and cut fluff instantly.”

“Ask AI to argue against its own answer — the strongest idea survives the toughest critic.”