Knowing when to break/bend the rules is a function of clear perception; one must know the intent behind those rules, why they were established, and in what instances they fail.
Without that clarity, a rule-breaker is just as ineffective as a tradition-bound tyrant.
Have you ever thought about putting these musings together in a book? I’d buy it. Always enjoy these little ‘shots’ of your wisdom.
Interpreting rules can be difficult, if you are affected by them. Most “bending” is stretching the boundaries the rules prescribe, or the people subject to the rule. Sports has referees to call violations and apply penalties. And rules almost always have penalties. It is just as important to know the penalties to assess the value in breaking them. Very few times have I seen people break rules to benefit others unless they have very strong motives and some kind of benefit for themselves.
Our systems encourage revisions of rules that do not work as intended, or affect people not contemplated when the rules were put in place. Legislatures usually have this task in our country, Judges are the referees.
I think it’s context-dependent. Having spent years working for the government, I’ve seen people break rules all the time to benefit others. I believe you’re right about our systems, but as they applies to large groups of people, sometimes they’re a bit slow to respond (as they should be when applied to large groups of people), and individuals get caught in the gears. That’s when the right person in the right position can examine the context and determine whether to break the rules, which are at the moment not serving the greater intent.
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Don’t you feel cheated with rules when the rule makers believe they are above the law.
I do. Which is why I gravitate toward the belief of reincarnation, not out of some revelatory experience or grand belief, but because it seems to promote fairness, and the chance for redemption. Joseph Mengele died in relative luxury in Brazil, apparently. There’s no justice there, at least not in this lifetime.
This is a general truth that is sadly, not-so general. I wish more people had a bit of your insight. As they say, common sense is an oxymoron.
I love your Musings.
Indeed! I’ve heard scholars reference a concept where an “idea possesses a person,” which is where dogma comes from, but the fully developed person possesses the idea, which is where utility comes form. I strive to be the latter, and get those general truths into practical application. 🙂
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Kent Wayne 
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