At the beginning of RZA's book "The Tao of Wu," (yes, a thrilling read, much wisdom in the pages, and an amazing origin story of an amazing American, Hip-Hop artist), there is an introductory chapter by his teacher, Kung Fu master, and a refugee from China's Shaolin Temple, his name: Shi Yan Ming. A truly amazing character who has had a profound effect on RZA.
These are the "basic messages" Shi Yan Ming conveys to his students...
1. Life is Beautiful.
2. More Chi - "the vital force of every living entity." Train Harder.
3. Be Honest with Yourself and Be Honest with Others.
4. Respect Yourself and Respect Others.
5. 100% Express Your Beautiful Life.
Hard to argue with any of these general principles. You could actually use them as a code for living. Yes. I do believe that is a capital idea!