RULES

Rules

Human beings need structure -- e.g., "Rules" --  in order to function properly, never mind functioning at “Peak” performance levels.  The less “seasoned” need more structure.  “Structure” is not a natural occurrence, but generally has to be imposed.  The imposition of structure from within is far superior to the imposition of structure from without, but it is an agonizing growth process from the latter to the former ... generally resisted at every turn.  Unfortunately, very few of us ever make it all the way.  Of course, we can all “rise to the occasion” when “called to account”, but the sad truth is that we don’t ^___ worse won’t ^___ do it of our own accord, i.e., when not “pressed”, and it gets increasingly difficult with time and lack of application. 

Where a state of “Right Reckoning” is missing or deficient, or where it has not yet matured, we need the imposition of rules that say “Do this (period)” and “Thou Shalt Not (exclamation point!)”.  In such an imperfect condition, the answer to “Why?” is simply “Because!”   It can not be “reasoned”.

While few ever graduate to a true state of utopian “flow” where everything (carefully selected) positively reinforces everything else (“Finding Flow”, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi), many seek to mimic the effect by ignoring the rules and creating a sense of “flow” in the path of least resistance.  In this condition, the “System” and the “Grand Scheme of Things” actually become impediments – even adversaries ^___ to be resisted at every turn!  Is it any wonder we are in such desperate need of “The Rules”? 

As we learn from understanding “Flow”, RULES are only exigencies.  What we really need is a VISION through which the full glory, majesty and dignity of life can be realized. 

How can we capture such a “Vision”? 

Sir Christopher Wren was one of the greatest English architects of all time.  His masterpiece accomplishment was the design and construction of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.  The story is told that one day he walked onto the cathedral construction site unrecognized among the men at work and asked several of them, in turn, what they were doing.  The first man replied, “I am cutting a piece of stone.”   A second man said “I am earning five shillings, tuppence a day to feed and clothe my family.”  The third, not recognizing the esteemed architect in his work clothes, exclaimed, “I am helping Sir Christopher Wren build a magnificent cathedral!”

An individual with such vision as the latter will be unlikely to violate “The Rules”.  One without it will be hard pressed to keep any one of them. 

[See also http://www.ertia.org/musings/rules.asp] 

“I have gained this by philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law.”             Aristotle, philosopher (384-322 BCE)