Rules

Rules are for weak people. As a society we keep adding on to the number of rules we imply because we are afraid of that which we can not control. From fear we strive to limit what may possibly happen attempting to steer all situations into our comfort zone. In the mean time, we are eliminating the creativity, the breathing room, the random moments of unexpected joy.

We need guidelines not rules. Guidelines are flexible. Rules are limiting. i really do not like having things stolen from me, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle were i do not cause others to lose possessions. i do not want someone to end my life, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle were i do not lead to other's death. i do not enjoy living in filth, therefore, i try to live a lifestyle where i leave things as pristine as possible.

Rather than coming up with a rule to dictate what you want to see happen in every given situation a few general guidelines can be applied to every situation. What religion does not include something to the effect of treating others as you would like to be treated? Should not that statement alone eliminate the need for rules about not killing, not stealing, and not cheating? With all the people on this planet who claim to be religious, you would think that this would be enough.

By establishing rules we are basically saying that you are too stupid to be left to your own decision making skills and need to be told what to do in any given situation for the betterment of society. How insulting? Maybe the better question to address should be fact that if you can not be trusted to to make appropriate decision maybe you should not be allow to participate in our society?

All these rules are punishing and limiting those who do what they should in an attempt to rein in the few who can not be trusted. Should not those who can not be trusted be addressed in a more individual and productive manner?

The other day i accidentally almost cut someone off in traffic. He was in my blindspot. He honked, i pulled back over, and he flipped me off yelling. All is good. i made a mistake and if someone almost cut me off i would probably have done the same thing. i realized i would have done the same thing so i was not mad at his reaction and no one got hurt. No property was damaged. Steam was released.

We need to be understanding of those around us but not foolishly tolerant of unacceptable behavior. When that player on the soccer pitch is getting a bit too physical, knock him on his ass. No hacking, no injury, just a nudge to remind him where the line is. Letting people know where your line is can be far more effective than trying to set up rules for individual situations.

...and a well placed OUP can work wonders...