Rules are an interesting social construct. On the surface of it, they maintain order, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find some limitations as well. If there’s anything history has taught us, it is that old adage that “change is the only constant”. By definition, rules reflect their time and place. Sure, there are some constants that have ethical or commonsensical value, but too often our rules are also a way to maintain status quo. Fortunately, I have never been one to underestimate the capacity of human beings to identify what is useful and what might have overstayed its welcome. The trick about breaking rules is to first understand their purpose and then subject them to some creativity, if you are convinced of a better way.
“The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions” – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
I’m well aware that I might be the least likely proponent of rule breaking to some of my readers. After all, a middle aged entrepreneur is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the term ‘rule-breaker’. That might well be the first rule we break today! I could tell you about the reputation I had for ‘innovation’, among the friends of my childhood and youth, but I’ll save myself the embarrassment. I’m sure those of you that have heard your parents and older relatives speak about their younger days will not be queuing up to hear my stories. What’s important is to realize that breaking rules is not about being against order, about being right or wrong, or even about being bold. I believe having a healthy ability to question things is the basis of an active and engaged intellect. My advice about breaking rules will be from this perspective. It will be about making improvements to the way you find things. Rule breaking, in this context, is not about being selfish and immoral, it is about being an agent of positive change.
“There are 923 words that break the ‘I before e’ rule and only 44 that follow it” – Anonymous
So, first and foremost, I would like to define what the term ‘rules’ means to me. Or, more accurately, I would like to divide rules into two basic categories – the commonsensical and those that are no longer so. It’s important to remember that rules are made by people on the basis of the information they have available and their intelligence, or to keep other people in check. We can reject the second category outright. A rule made in service of a vested interest is fair game for disobedience. I will on concern myself today, with the rules that have become redundant due to a change in available information, or in what the consensus finds acceptable.
In this latter case, I believe innovation is the logical next step, and rules should not be something that restricts our options – at least in principle or thought. My more adventurous readers might question the purpose behind my adding the ‘in principle’ caveat. The reason is obvious, if you want to break the rules, you have to be ready to bear the consequences.
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist” – Pablo Picasso
Let me make one thing clear dear reader, breaking rules is not about how to evade taxes to grow your wealth!! Please read the previous sentence again, before you get us both into trouble! All kidding aside, my contention is not that you should break the law. Fortunately, for compulsive explorers of the road less taken – like you and I – the rules that are most open for debate are often not ones enforced under the threat of legal consequences. I believe that it is important to respect our fellow citizens enough to retrain ourselves within the structure we have agreed upon. There are several rules, however, that are simply a result of a more conservative approach or ones that applied in times that required greater caution.
My cube obsessed Spanish friend with the talent for abstract art, that I have quoted above this stanza, makes an interesting reference. What does it mean to break rules ‘like an artist’? As I see it, the call the great genius is giving, is for creativity, to listen to your inner voice and leave the world a better place, with expanded possibilities. This adding of the new is a revitalizing act for all of society. It is the greatest gift a human being can give to the world. Never let what has come before you restrict your vision. From great art, architecture and scientific breakthroughs to a new and more just approach to societal norms, our world is in constant need of redefinition. Always remember, wisdom does not need numbers to be validated. Stand alone with your convictions and the rest will begin to see why they make sense to you.
“Set thy heart upon thy work, but never on its reward” – Bhagavad Gita
What the memorable among us are remembered for is what was unique about them. By definition, being different from the rest is based on breaking rules. It’s not often that people are accepted for going their own, as soon as they display the ability and inclination to do so. Never be afraid or tentative because you lack support over something that runs contrary to an established norm. The point I made earlier about listening to your inner voice is something that needs to be a cornerstone of education. While we have taught recent generations in greater numbers than was previously possible and increased the flow of information, I sometimes feel we have also reduced intellectual diversity.
The curious thing is, the people students read about in their history and science books, or those whose pictures are likely to be on the walls of their school – with the possible exception of North Korean institutes – are all rule breakers. Rekindle your connection with the world from the unique perspective that only you have. I hope you realize that only you can manifest your inspiration. Don’t deprive the rest of us of the gift that only you can give. We might not welcome it with open minds at first, but trust us enough to let us find our way to you point of view.
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun” – Katherine Hepburn
I believe all of us are fundamentally aware that life is an adventure and a journey. The endless possibilities which this world is made up of cannot be constrained by rules. Rules are a guide, a map. It’s important to remember that what sticks in our memory about maps most easily is borders, but 99% of the information they contain is about the rest, the area that lies within the boundaries. In my opinion those who have made rules, have most often done so as suggestions and as an act of kindness. Unfortunately, sticking too uncritically to them can rob them of their value.
Always remember that the world and your ability to consider it are infinite. Allow your intelligence, your ethics and your compassion to guide your journey and you can’t go far wrong. Live a little! Respect your limitations and the boundaries of others, but make sure rules are empowering you as helpful suggestions, not restricting your thoughts and aspirations. The world is a wonderful place and not everything about it needs to be predictable and in your control. Have fun with the world and with your imagination. Trust your desire to do good, if your heart is in the right place, you’ll bend the rules in the right direction.
