tjadams

I've learned the hard, bitter way that always playing by the rules,
honoring authority, being lawful and disciplined has gotten me nothing.
Time for me to lower my high standards and run those red lights,
change lanes without a turn signal, drive faster than the posted speed
and cut off people. Being good hasn't gotten me anything that the
common Joe enjoys equally.

Rasputin1234

Come to the Dark Side, TJ

tjadams

I've often wondered what I could do. I have a really dark side to me
that I inherited from my father. I could oh so easily be the
James T. Callender type. A good supportive friend to have, or an
unstopping enemy who doesn't forget and will always be waiting
for payback in one lump sum or in little ant bite attacks.
Girls always want the bad guys anyway.

bluesman

I would argue that obedience to authority and lawfulness are generally virtues. They can be exploited by wicked people in positions of authority. I have trouble blaming people for moral wrongdoing if they act in accordance to the law and their responsibilities.

That said, the most virtuous will stand up to all wicked people, regardless of their position. To truly be a 'sage' you have to beat your own path and accept the consequences of that.

So, option 3, I guess.

Jake10

Don't underestimate the value of peace of mind, Adams. Being able to walk down the street without looking over your shoulder is something you probably take for granted because you haven't pissed off the wrong people, nor do you need to worry about your past coming back to haunt you.

But, I do recommend you live on the edge just a little.

bluesman

I would ask what you hope to gain by violating 'insignificant' laws. Will it really make you feel better to run those red lights? All it takes is one accident to throw you off.

Do you really gain nothing from being disciplined? Think of the money you save on tickets.

Brisieis

If you want to live on the edge, do a bungy jump.

halomanuk

I will obey laws of course but only to an extent,so i have voted 'personal values'...

Rasta

Question authority! I like the following quote.

Throughout human history, as our species has faced the frightening, terrorizing fact that we don't know who we are, or where we are going in this Ocean of chaos, it has been the authorities, the political, the religious, the educational authorities, informing in our minds their view of reality. To think for yourself you must question authority and learn how to put yourself in a state of vulnerable, open-mindedness; chaotic, confused, vulnerability to inform yourself.

Dr. Timothy Leary

sylla1

Needless to say, it all depends on who you may be asking to and their current standpoint.

E.g., it seems that plenty of the same people that tend to so enthusiastically applaud the utterly unlawful disobedience of tend to be not so enthusiastic regarding the equally unlawful disobedience of .