Never/always break stupid rules.

Anna's Aphorism #112

aphorism (n): a concise statement of a truth or sentiment

I am a law-abiding citizen. I like rules and regulations. I like traffic to flow in the correct direction, water to be reliably clean, and my paycheck to arrive to my bank on time.

There are a ridiculous number of laws and standards and rules that govern modern life that I and you are not even aware of. Each and every one of them allow for the operation of our existence. Anyone who stands up and calls for the unilateral reduction of ‘big government/oversight/regulation’ is a moron.

For example: were you aware that the temperature of hospital water heaters are required to be above a certain temperature to prohibit the growth of waterborne bacteria? Which is a different temperature than household water heaters are required to be below to prevent scald injuries in children?

See? Rules to keep people safe in different settings and conditions. Important rules that need to be followed to prevent injury and, in some cases, death. (Go look up Legionnaire’s Disease.)

Stupid rules, however... Stupid rules require, ironically, more consideration.

I keep stupid rules. Usually. Why break them? They must be making someone happy, somewhere. And perhaps, similar to my water heater example above, I simply do not know the reason for the rule. I know about infectious diseases. I do not know about steel manufacturing. Or tax law. Or turkey breeding.

It is impossible for anyone to know and understand the nuance behind very law and regulation that exists.

But there are some that I can safely decide when and where to… bend.

The key question to ask yourself is ‘Will my actions effect anyone else?”

If I don’t wait for the crossing light to turn green, am I going to disrupt traffic or cause an accident?

If I sit here on the sidewalk, am I going to be in the way of everyone else?

If I sit in this booth until ‘closing time’ when the staff clearly are ready to shut down, am I inconveniencing them?

If I use my phone in the quiet car, am I disrupting the other passengers?

And here’s another thing to consider. There may come a time in your life when you need to break a big law. I’m talking a serious one. A blood and guts one. A jury of your peers sort of decision.

Then you will want to be the kind of person of whom people say: Who, them? NO! They would never! They’ve never broken a rule in their life!

Character references are important for career growth, after all.

Disclaimer: I am in no way endorsing people to break the law or do crimes.

---