All 3 Uses of

principle
in
The Shack

But you gotta admit, rules and principles are simpler than relationships.†
Chpt 14. *

principles = basic rules or beliefs

Just don't look for rules and principles; look for relationship—a way of coming to be with us.†
Chpt 14.

Humans, on the other hand, have a knack for taking a verb that is alive and full of grace and turning it into a dead noun or principle that reeks of rules: something growing and alive dies.†
Chpt 14.

principle = basic rule or belief

Definitions:

(1) (principle)
a basic rule or belief
The exact meaning of principle can depend upon its context. For example:
- "our guiding principles" -- basic moral beliefs that guide decisions and behavior
- "electromagnetic principles" -- rules describing how the world works
- "She lacks principles." -- lacks moral guidelines
- "We agree in principle." -- about important basic beliefs
(2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
meaning too rare to warrant focus:

See a comprehensive dictionary for more specialized senses including one in chemistry.