What are the 3 most important lessons / principles your dad taught you?

I know you have not (because you fail to even believe it). I certainly have.

Three of many I learned from his example in the few years I knew him before he died:

Work hard from an early age to support your family.

Serve your country and others in need around the world.

Always root for the underdog.

Parents are complicated. Not as simple as good or bad. That said, here are the 3 things that come to mind about my own father:

Respect wildlife.

Think scientifically before involving your personal feelings.

Hondas and Toyotas are the most reliable cars.

Same as you. However my Dad was worked two jobs. So it was mother and me until the rest of my siblings came along.

She taught me how to live independently. Cooking, cleaning house, laundry and things like that. She didn't want me to settle for the first woman that came along because I didn't know how to take care of my self. Thank You Mom!

Thanks to Mom I was able to sow my wild oats until I found the right woman. I was 36 years old when I found her, but she was worth the wait. We're still married going on 29 years.

As an aside, I've seen many friends and acquaintances get married for many wrong reasons. Needed a housekeeper or thinking the wife would give up the goodies every time the husband demanded it. Most of those marriages didn't last very long.

I know this thread was about Fathers, but dads don't be afraid of letting your sons learn from your wife on how to be independent from females. The time will come when they meet the right girl. Don't push them to settle for the first fun girl that comes along.