Dear Spike:
At some point someone is going to tell you that rules are meant to be broken. Perhaps then you’ll look up at me expecting a few contrary words of advice. And I should probably give you that.
But I’ve never been good at hypocrisy.
Truth is, I’ve always been bad at playing by the rules. Maybe that makes me a bit of a nonconformist. Maybe it makes me a little bit mischievous. Or maybe it simply means that I never properly learned my place.
I mean — heck — rules are meant to be broken.
But before you store this letter away as an eternal get-of-of-jail-free card, a few caveats: Rules for breaking the rules, if you will…
First do no harm.
It’s not likely that I’ll always appreciate or approve of your rule breaking, but you’ll find a lot more leniency from me if you haven’t caused anyone else any harm, hardship or danger.
Act ethically
Ethics are the rules you make for yourself, based upon what you know to be right. These rules are meant to be challenged — and they will be. Always be able to face me and say you acted ethically. More importantly, always be able to face yourself and say the same thing.
Accept the consequences
The American Civil Rights Movement was effective, in large part, because brave people were prepared to accept the consequences of their actions. No matter how just your rationale, be prepared to accept the legal, social and economic consequences. And if you are not thus prepared, strongly reconsider your actions until such a time as you are.
Life is much too short to let someone else decide how you’ll walk, what you’ll think, how you’ll act and when you’ll breathe. But it’s much too long to act hurtfully, dishonorably or recklessly.
Find a balance — and if you wish, let it lean a little to the impish side. So long as you’re willing to face the judge, I’ll post your bail.
Love,
Dad
P.S.:
Met•a•phor, n. — The application of a word or phrase to somebody or something that is not meant literally but to make a comparison. For example: “So long as you’re willing to face the judge, I’ll post your bail.”
At some point someone is going to tell you that rules are meant to be broken. Perhaps then you’ll look up at me expecting a few contrary words of advice. And I should probably give you that.
But I’ve never been good at hypocrisy.
Truth is, I’ve always been bad at playing by the rules. Maybe that makes me a bit of a nonconformist. Maybe it makes me a little bit mischievous. Or maybe it simply means that I never properly learned my place.
I mean — heck — rules are meant to be broken.
But before you store this letter away as an eternal get-of-of-jail-free card, a few caveats: Rules for breaking the rules, if you will…
First do no harm.
It’s not likely that I’ll always appreciate or approve of your rule breaking, but you’ll find a lot more leniency from me if you haven’t caused anyone else any harm, hardship or danger.
Act ethically
Ethics are the rules you make for yourself, based upon what you know to be right. These rules are meant to be challenged — and they will be. Always be able to face me and say you acted ethically. More importantly, always be able to face yourself and say the same thing.
Accept the consequences
The American Civil Rights Movement was effective, in large part, because brave people were prepared to accept the consequences of their actions. No matter how just your rationale, be prepared to accept the legal, social and economic consequences. And if you are not thus prepared, strongly reconsider your actions until such a time as you are.
Life is much too short to let someone else decide how you’ll walk, what you’ll think, how you’ll act and when you’ll breathe. But it’s much too long to act hurtfully, dishonorably or recklessly.
Find a balance — and if you wish, let it lean a little to the impish side. So long as you’re willing to face the judge, I’ll post your bail.
Love,
Dad
P.S.:
Met•a•phor, n. — The application of a word or phrase to somebody or something that is not meant literally but to make a comparison. For example: “So long as you’re willing to face the judge, I’ll post your bail.”
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