Note: the matters discussed in this post are not life-threatening, nor are they actual crimes. Rather, they're simply a breach of one's principle: mine.
Just recently, I've encountered several occasions where, in the midst of just doing as requested, I find myself somewhat of a criminal. One such incident- not going into any detail of the whole "Once upon a time"- simply put, I was asked to do something that was obviously against the rules. Now, the problem lies in whether I could reason myself into agreeing with what is being asked: I can't. Except, I don't have much of a choice.
It's quite obvious what rules are for: to ensure what is expected is expressed and to maintain a certain standard and fairness. In essence, it is not meant to be lightly considered. Yet, it has become somewhat of a norm to quote, "Rules are made to be broken." Honestly, whoever said that must be a very irresponsible person, not having considered the consequences of his "random blab of personal judgement." Now the whole world thinks it's okay to regard rules as simply an "advice". Well, guess what? It's not.
Sure, you must feel like a genius to be able to get around the rules- because you're great, you're brilliant, oh so smart. But in fact, you have just proven that you cannot function properly in the social setting that demands rules to be followed. Think about it: if everyone requests to be excused from one rule or another, then the rules will one by one hold no power over other people. In that pattern, we will soon crash into total chaos just because everyone believes it's in their RIGHT to push the boundaries of the rules as much as they can. It baffles me that people even take PRIDE in being able to do that. It's really a shame such talent can't be put to better use.
Sigh.
Understanding rules also means to understand their purposes. Once that is clear, then maybe, just maybe, a reasonable judgement may be made as to whether the rule should hold any power at all. A "just because" is not good enough- even in rule-breaking, it's gotta make sense.