# Who doesn't mind (or actually like) breaking rules? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 16, 2006, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-doesnt-mind-or-actually-like-breaking-rules/356926 "2006-05-16T03:58:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![welby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/d78d45/32.png) [@welby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/welby)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-doesnt-mind-or-actually-like-breaking-rules/356926/21 "2006-05-17T19:50:15Z")
I always break rules that I think are stupid. Especially any rule that goes along the lines of “do not cross this line”. I walk on grass. I go in out doors. Once I even backed up when the sign said not to. Of course, THAT one didn’t work out so well. Basically, if the rule isn’t for my safety or the safety of others, I’ll give it a break. ---
**Author:** ![Fromage\_A\_Trois](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a88e57/32.png) [@Fromage\_A\_Trois](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fromage_A_Trois)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2006, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-doesnt-mind-or-actually-like-breaking-rules/356926/22 "2006-05-18T10:44:44Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > When I break a rule I see as pointless, I am not afraid of being told off. Should somebody attempt to ‘correct’ me, they get told off. They are the person conforming to a pointless rule. They should be embarrassed, not me. Ah, but I turn into a whimpering jellyfish when challenged outside of my comfort zone. What if there _is_ a point to the rule, but I just didn’t see it because I’m a newbie? Won’t I feel stupid if someone tells me why what I’m doing is wrong? This is what runs through my head when I consider breaking rules - even small ones. I am so shy and worried about making mistakes, that I can rarely strike up the courage do something other than the norm. Until I’m more experienced in that place/time/situation/company, when I become quite assertive, confident and more than willing to question the rules. \Don’t hate me for being weak!\ 😛 ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2006, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-doesnt-mind-or-actually-like-breaking-rules/356926/23 "2006-05-19T02:29:57Z")
I’ll break a rule, but only if it’s a patently stupid rule, and only if I stand to gain from it personally. I’m not interested in making a point for others. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2006, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-doesnt-mind-or-actually-like-breaking-rules/356926/24 "2006-05-19T04:37:33Z")
I guess that’s how I am as well. I don’t go out of my way to break rules, but I refuse to follows stupid ones just because someone said it’s a rule. Our local HR manager loves to follow rules just because they are rules, so we go the rounds sometimes. “It’s a rule.” just doesn’t fly for me, especially if it’s pointless. ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2006, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-doesnt-mind-or-actually-like-breaking-rules/356926/25 "2006-05-19T15:40:03Z")
> [@Bippy the Beardless](#): > > I like to break rules that are pointless or stupid, sometimes even going out of my way to do so. But if there is a good reason for a rule I’ll tend to follow it. I feel it is nimportant to challenge the foolish/pointless rules since by doing so you will help get them changed. I entirely agree. Like the speed limit on motorways, for example :). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-doesnt-mind-or-actually-like-breaking-rules/356926.md?page=1)