An ethos for your world

World builders, is there a personal ethos or mantra that you live by (or try to, if you fall short)? Something with weight enough to guide your decisions in your imaginary world? <br><br>For example, you could believe that "imperfect is beautiful" and make sure that nothing in your world is perfect. <br><br>"The world is fragile and precious". One could imagine the rest of your world and civilizations as a response to that ethos. <br><br>"There's life in the cracks and crevices" or "there's always room to grow". <br><br>What's your ethos for your world, and how does it colour your decisions and stories?