Following the Rules

In order to live harmoniously and be productive in a free society, we must learn to abide by the rules. Contrary to the opinion of many people, rules are not made to be broken. Although we may not personally agree with, or even understand all the rules which are set forth by representatives of society, the majority of them have a good reason and purpose behind them. While most rules are intended to inhibit individuals from infringing on the rights of others and to prevent them from hurting themselves, the rest are usually a consequence of someone else’s actions - one person messes it up for everyone else.

If we don’t like a rule, then we have the option to go through the necessary steps to responsibly get it changed. We can circulate petitions, plan lawful protests, and argue our case in front of those who are responsible for making and imposing the rules and laws. However, we must never allow ourselves to view rules as optional or intended for other people. We must follow all the rules no matter how petty, meaningless, "stupid", or obscure they may be. If we choose to follow our past patterns of complaining about, arguing about, bending, and just plain disregarding the rules we don’t like or understand, we will assuredly fail in our attempt to change - and we’ll suffer the consequences. And realistically, if we can’t follow the rules set forth by a free society, if we can’t accept the responsibilities which are our intrinsic part of freedom, then we don’t deserve to be free.

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