The existence of rules in society is one of its defining features, as most groups of people establish boundaries when they form a community. At the same time, breaking these rules is also an inherent part of any society. Rule-breaking is often more remembered in history than the countless incidents of following laws. This duality raises the question of whether the rules that exist at any given time are too restrictive for people to follow blindingly in real life. The answer to this inquiry can be similarly complex – following the rules as a general guideline may help people in some situations. However, changing the rules by breaking them is what defines human progress.
Various historical events demonstrate the fact that rules are temporary rather than permanent. This statement can refer to any sphere, including politics, sciences, and humanities. A notable example is the history of slavery and inequality in the world and the United States, in particular. The abolition of slavery, which was documented officially in 1865, did not happen due to people obeying the existing order but due to civil unrest and a collective refusal to follow the current rules.
Nevertheless, while some established rules are restrictive, others may guide people through the centuries and remain relevant to this day. One can recall the “Golden Rule,” which urges people to treat people in a way they would want to be treated by others. This phrase is not an official law, and one cannot be legally forced to follow it. However, it is a tenet passed down from generation to generation, and it remains one of the basic notions people refer to when making decisions and interacting with society.
To conclude, rules are an integral part of any society, whether written down and enforced or created as a result of coexistence. History continuously disproves the notion that laws are unchangeable, which means that breaking them is necessary for advancing society. At the same time, some rules may stay the same for a long time if they bring value and are not meaningless or harmful to the community.