This is yet another very important post about intelligent disobedience. I have relatives that are so fed up and so disgusted and horrified with WA state restrictions, however.... they would never dream of "disobeying." So they dutifully wear masks in public. The question is how do we convince this group of people that they are not going to hell if they don't obey the health department??
This is yet another very important post about intelligent disobedience. I have relatives that are so fed up and so disgusted and horrified with WA state restrictions, however.... they would never dream of "disobeying." So they dutifully wear masks in public. The question is how do we convince this group of people that they are not going to hell if they don't obey the health department??
This is a great question. The things people do "because it's the rules" are disgusting and make me sick. Physically gross me out. I've never been a ruler follower (thank you overbearing parents, my college hippy friends, and LSD).
I think it's important to know WHY people will follow rules, even if they grumble about them. Many people have a huge emotional need for security and approval, and following the rules, even if they grumble, is more emotionally satisfying to them than the alternative.
I think to answer your question, you (we) need to first understand what emotional need these people need the most, and then do our best to join them where they're at. I'm not saying agree with them or support their fear of breaking the rules, but show them you at least can see where those needs could cause them to go along.
Then, I think intelligent disobedience starts much like working out. It's a muscle, and the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
However, just like the person who gross gripes about their weight but never changes their diet and never starts exercising, you can't force them. They themselves simply have to get to the place where the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change. Only then will someone actually pursue the changes.
I can't imagine being someone who follows the rules. I just can't. Sometimes I try, but then I get ill. My body shudders. It's slimy and I just don't see how someone can respect themselves, ravenously especially when the rules are as arbitrary and authoritarian as they've become. But then again, so few people really do have any self-respect.
This is yet another very important post about intelligent disobedience. I have relatives that are so fed up and so disgusted and horrified with WA state restrictions, however.... they would never dream of "disobeying." So they dutifully wear masks in public. The question is how do we convince this group of people that they are not going to hell if they don't obey the health department??
This is a great question. The things people do "because it's the rules" are disgusting and make me sick. Physically gross me out. I've never been a ruler follower (thank you overbearing parents, my college hippy friends, and LSD).
I think it's important to know WHY people will follow rules, even if they grumble about them. Many people have a huge emotional need for security and approval, and following the rules, even if they grumble, is more emotionally satisfying to them than the alternative.
https://bherr.substack.com/p/why-have-people-gone-insane
I think to answer your question, you (we) need to first understand what emotional need these people need the most, and then do our best to join them where they're at. I'm not saying agree with them or support their fear of breaking the rules, but show them you at least can see where those needs could cause them to go along.
Then, I think intelligent disobedience starts much like working out. It's a muscle, and the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
However, just like the person who gross gripes about their weight but never changes their diet and never starts exercising, you can't force them. They themselves simply have to get to the place where the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of change. Only then will someone actually pursue the changes.
I can't imagine being someone who follows the rules. I just can't. Sometimes I try, but then I get ill. My body shudders. It's slimy and I just don't see how someone can respect themselves, ravenously especially when the rules are as arbitrary and authoritarian as they've become. But then again, so few people really do have any self-respect.