In bud not buddy how did rule 63 bud survive

"Rules and Things Number 63--Never, Ever, say something bad about someone you don't know--especially when you are around a bunch of stranges. You never can tell who might be kin to that person or who might be a lip-flapping big mouthed spy.

The rules showed you how he governed his life and gave you insight into his mind and why he did the things he did and how he survived. I found them fascinating. He had such great life advice, even for adults.