I’m going to state the obvious here. Perhaps overstate it because it’s something that’s always interested me. I’ve always found comfort in this simple fact; there are right and wrong ways of doing things. All of Western Civilization is loosely based on this premise. Entire institutions of higher education have thrived for centuries based on it. Piles and piles of books are dedicated to the study of etiquette, electronics, economics, nutrition, canning fruit and getting dressed. We give high honors to those who have excelled in mastering and improving upon life’s little rules … and yet there are also those rebel geniuses who have risked life and limb, or maybe merely public ridicule, rejected the rules and created a new way of doing things. Not all of the rebels have been brilliant, but the ones who make it into the history books show us a new way of looking at the world with their art, poetry, cuisine, and music. This gives me a sense of cognitive dissonance. As much as I embrace the rules, I love those who break them from time to time. The calculating risk-takers. So, dedicate your weekend to breaking a few rules. Just don’t hurt anyone.
