I honestly think the book is so bad that it's not worth a lengthy critique, but in short:
1. Dalio doesn't understand what a "principle" is -- but I can understand that "Aphorisms, Cliches and Hunches" is a less arresting title, if much more accurate. (See [0] for a fuller review on this.)
2. Dalio's version of Bridgewater doesn't line up with the experience of others -- which I have heard from so many people as to completely undermine whatever he might say.
Now, in the book's defense: I didn't get through it and perhaps it got suddenly palatable or interesting. However: I also couldn't get through it -- it was just that bad.