HIGH LIFE - Best Way to Live: By the Golden Rule, or by Looking Out for No. 1?

Words to live by. Principles for conducting ourselves as we pass through this life. Philosophy.

Whether it’s practicing the Golden Rule or looking out for No. 1, everybody follows some sort of inner rules. Hot Topics wonders: “What is your philosophy of life?”

“Live a good life for God, strive to be the best you can be, and to get a beautiful woman.”

David Berryman, 16, junior, Heritage

“Do God’s will and marry a good woman.”

R.J. Drabek, 17, senior, Heritage

“Achieve everything and every goal that I have according to my own abilities, and get a cute babe.”

Arthur Andrews, 17, senior, Heritage

“Living by God’s law.”

Durk Zeilstra, 14, freshman, Heritage

“Try your best at everything you do and let the chips fall where they may.”

Phillip-Phuc Le, 16, junior, Ocean View

“Take on one obstacle at a time, giving it my all. Through this philosophy I have met many of my most important goals.”

Aaron Bernardin, 17, senior, Ocean View

“Live life by the moment to its fullest. If there’s anything you want to do . . . just do it.”

Phu Tranchi, 15, senior, Ocean View

“Have the most fun possible and yet succeed.”

Karen Jordan, 14, freshman, Ocean View

“Try to do as many things as I can and not worry about failing, because I know I won’t.”

Diana Eitman, 14, freshman, Ocean View

“Money and success are supreme.”

Dat Nguyen, 17, senior, Saddleback

“To always look at the brighter side of things and try to love others as you love yourself.”

Peter Fong, 17, senior, Saddleback

“To have an optimistic view of life, be happy and always trust in the Lord.”

Sung Chi, 17, senior, Saddleback

“To get the most out of your high school years.”

Vinh Nguyen, 16, senior, Saddleback

“To believe in yourself and take risks in life.”

Lam Nguyen, 18, senior, Saddleback

“Life is like a highway that has no exit ramp. Sometimes you’re stalled because of traffic. Sometimes it’s just you out there alone, speeding at 100 miles per hour, and there’s no stopping or getting off it unless the car breaks down or runs out of gas.”

Joan Manokoune, 17, senior, Santa Ana Valley

“To live is to suffer. Break away from suffering by living without desires.”

Loanne Doan, 17, senior, Santa Ana Valley

“Life has its peaks and valleys. To be happy, one must cherish the good moments and forget about the bad.”

Jose Casa, 17, senior, Santa Ana Valley

“Live it as you please and then get out and give someone else a chance.”

Phillip Nguyen, 18, senior, Santa Ana Valley

“Life to me is something that no one has control over, both fate and destiny. You’ll find more than your share of trial and troubles and heartaches, but it certainly beats a mediocre day. Life’s imperfections keep you on your toes.”

Murillio Gomez, 17, junior, Santa Ana Valley

“Have fun with life and take every day as it comes. Live it to the fullest potential and don’t be too scared to speak your mind.”

Nancy Filia, 17, senior, Woodbridge

“Conquer every fear, and never experience a true defeat.”

Mark Simpson, 17, senior, Woodbridge

“Don’t let people get in your way and intimidate you. Have a good life, and don’t let things get you down.”

Heather Hollington, 14, freshman, Woodbridge

“Follow what you believe in, and don’t get discouraged.”

Leigh Ellis, 16, junior, Woodbridge

Next Week’s Hot Topic: How do your parents spoil you?

Hot Topic responses gathered by John Doney (Heritage), Felice Wu (Ocean View), Nguyen-Hong Hoang (Saddleback), Hang Nguyen (Santa Ana Valley) and Tomarra Wilds (Woodbridge).