This summary paper presents a list of lessons which have been learned and relearned from major earthquakes dating back to the 1964 Good Friday Alaskan Earthquake. The author has been directly or indirectly involved with the investigations of the 1964 Alaska, 1971 San Fernando, 1976 Guatemala, 1978 Sendai, 1989 Loma Prieta, 1994 Northridge, and 1995 Kobe earthquakes. This experience, tempered by the results of subsequent research, has helped the author formulate and advance a philosophy for the design and construction of new bridges and for the retrofitting of existing structures.

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