diff --git a/PRINCIPLES.md b/PRINCIPLES.md
index efda6c8..2673ddb 100644
--- a/PRINCIPLES.md
+++ b/PRINCIPLES.md
@@ -3,20 +3,20 @@
 GitOps is a set of principles for operating and managing software systems.
 These principles are derived from modern software operations, but are also rooted in pre-existing and widely adopted best practices.
 
-The [desired state](./GLOSSARY.md#desired-state) of a GitOps managed system must be:
+The [desired state](./GLOSSARY.md#desired-state) must be:
 
 1. ## Declarative
 
-    A [system](./GLOSSARY.md#software-system) managed by GitOps must have its desired state expressed [declaratively](./GLOSSARY.md#declarative-description).
+    Desired state must be expressed [declaratively](./GLOSSARY.md#declarative-description).
 
 2. ## Versioned and Immutable
 
-    Desired state is [stored](./GLOSSARY.md#state-store) in a way that enforces immutability, versioning and retains a complete version history.
+    Desired state must be [stored](./GLOSSARY.md#state-store) with immutability, versioning, and history.
 
 3. ## Pulled Automatically
 
-    Software agents automatically [pull](./GLOSSARY.md#pull) the desired state declarations from the source.
+    Software agents must automatically [pull](./GLOSSARY.md#pull) the desired state declarations from the source.
 
 4. ## Continuously Reconciled
 
-    Software agents [continuously](./GLOSSARY.md#continuous) observe actual system state and [attempt to apply](./GLOSSARY.md#reconciliation) the desired state.
+    Software agents must [continuously](./GLOSSARY.md#continuous) observe actual system state and [attempt to apply](./GLOSSARY.md#reconciliation) the desired state.