Do We Really Need Rules?

Rules are a part of life, as we all are aware. From the time that we are young children to the time we depart from this world, there are rules that we all must conform to. Some would prefer not to have any rules placed on them at all, as they feel they become constricted by them, that their freedoms are infringed upon. However, the world would fall into utter chaos without them.

Within every facet of our daily lives, we are confronted with rules. There are certain times that we must get up in the morning and certain times to go to bed. There are rules to maintaining a proper diet. There are rules for marriage, rules for the road, rules in schools and places of business. There are rules to become a member of an organization or church. There are even certain rules that we must abide by in order to be a citizen of any country.

Young children are taught certain rules that have a lot to do with their safety. Do not touch a hot stove or go near a tub of hot water. Stay clear of any stairs. Don't touch sharp objects. Don't fight with other children. Don't run out into the street. It sounds like a lot of "don'ts" that might constrict a child's natural curiosity about the world around them, but these are all general, common sense rules that help to keep them safe throughout their childhood. Without being taught such rules, the consequences could be dire. Rules ARE a necessary part of all our lives, and it starts from early childhood.

Because children are not innately aware of dangers in life, they must be taught how to avoid certain things, as it is throughout the entirety of our lives. If rules are not taught and enforced, some wouldn't know the differences between right and wrong, safety and danger, the consequences of cause and effect. Left to our own devices, we just wouldn't have a clue and therein lies the chaos.

We are all born as selfish creatures. In part, that selfishness is what keeps us from dying before our first breath. We cry to take in that first breath. We cry to be fed, changed and nourished. Our first order of business on this earth is to be demanding and cry to have our needs met. That is what keeps our species surviving. However, this is also the reason that "rules" must be in place, in order to keep all things in balance. We have to learn from that early age that there are restrictions on what we can and cannot do in order to survive and live well adjusted lives.

When rules are taught well, at an early age, it just becomes second nature to follow said rules and regulations. They are not second guessed nor questioned, and for the most part, life follows a certain degree of harmony and balance. But when rules are either not taught nor enforced, or one decides to deviate from the rules for their own selfish reasons, society becomes unglued. The selfish wants and desires of that person will leave a wake of destruction in their path, hurting themselves and others, having little regard for anyone else's well being.

This is why our jails are filled to and beyond capacity.....all because certain people thought they didn't need to live by any rules!