“I never ask for nothin’ I don’t demand of myself
Honesty, loyalty, friends and then wealth
Death before dishonor and I tell you what else
I tighten my belt ‘fore I beg for help
Foolish pride is what held me together through the years
I wasn’t felt which is why I ain’t never played myself
I just play the hand I’m dealt, I can’t say I’ve never knelt
before God and asked for better cards at times to no avail
But I never sat back feelin’ sorry for myself
If you don’t give me heaven I raise hell
‘Til it’s heaven”

— Jay-Z

I live by this.