Given that we're reading The Road the most obvious principles that come to mind all have to do with very extreme situations. To think of a principle that everyone can start now and keep for the rest of their lives is a bit challenging. I think that I'd go with something along the lines of take care of yourself first; or do whatever it takes to keep your family there.
I feel as though people should take care of themselves first because I for one am a pretty giving person, and tend to put others before my own well being. That has led me into bad situations that have caused a drastic change in my life that I won't be able to change. If I had put myself first things would have ended up a lot better than they did and I feel like that would have even worked out better for everyone else in the long run.
I say do whatever it take to keep your family there because I feel like there aren't enough people willing to sacrifice for their families. This may contradict my previous statement above at times, but sometimes it's for the best as the other works best in different times. Even still, now and no matter what you need people who you love and who love you back around you because without anyone there isn't anything to live for.
