Origin of the Quote
The phrase “life is short, break the rules” has become much more famous than the man who once said it. Did Mark Twain in fact say these famous seven words? We will never know for sure. While the author is unknown, several websites attribute the quote to the Wilde-like humor and wit of Mark Twain.
The phrase conjures up the image of a man in a boat smoking a pipe machine-gunning literature, political incorrectness and wisdom with breaths of white. Twain was known well enough that such a quote could easily be credited to him and many people do so. In truth, he was as human as any one of us and he would have been just as capable of responding with a flippant comment as anyone.
In fact, the quote accurately summarizes Twain’s story of Huckleberry Finn. The young boys, Huck and Jim, are constantly breaking rules in their search of freedom, ultimately infiltrating the ‘Gilded Age’ of post-bellum America with humor and mischief. The novel was rightly controversial at that time and today, as it dealt with subjects as diverse as childhood indulgence and identity.
Breaking Rules Today
The quote is often used to incite rebellion or emphasize the need to take risks. It is a great way to remind people of their right to express themselves. Of course, life is short and risks are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean a life of pure recklessness. The response must be measured and measured ideally through education and research.
It is encouraging when people break the rules, but it must be done in the right way. Breaking the rules and challenging the norms of society means that a number of new avenues have been opened up, however, the ultimate outcome of such a move must always be considered.
Breaking the rules should not necessarily be done out of recklessness but should be done in order to improve a situation. Ideas must be evaluated in relation to their potential for benefiting society before any action is taken.
That is not to say that we should never break the rules, rather, in order to do so without causing more harm than good, it is essential that our motivations are clear.
Moral Ambiguity
It is important to remember that when facing an ambiguous moral dilemma, it is easy to be influenced by external factors. Such factors could be the pressure one may feel when surrounded by a crowd of people.
This is why a clear understanding of oneself and one’s principles is essential. This can be achieved by accessing one’s inner faith, political beliefs or any other guiding principle. This is what helps prevent external influences from distracting one who is in a situation where a decision has to be made.
Being able to act in accordance with one’s principles is not easy but it is essential for making sure that when one does break the rules, it will be for the betterment of society as a whole.
Rules and Consequences
Another interesting aspect of this quote is that it is often used in situations where not only are rules broken but the person doing so fully accepts the consequences of the consequences of his or her actions.
Breaking the rules brings serious consequences, but there is a certain level of freedom and personal responsibility that comes with such an act. There is a weight that comes with knowing that no matter what one does, there must be some level of self-accountability.
For example, a person knows they must accept the consequences of being caught breaking the rules at school. This understanding can often lead to a different kind of respect for rules and can even bridge the gap between generations.
Taking Risks
The quote can also be seen as an incentive to take risks in life. Of course, the risks must be planned and calculated but taking risks, even small ones, can be enjoyable. It forces the person to come to terms with the idea that life may not always go as planned. It also teaches the importance of perseverance and the importance of being prepared for both success or failure. Taking risks can also help alleviate boredom, excitement and can even have a positive effect on mental health.
Risks come in all shapes and sizes and it is up to the individual to decide what risks to take. This is why it is important to think before acting. There are some risks that should not be taken, such as gambling, taking drugs or drinking and driving. The consequences can be severe and can even cause physical or emotional harm to oneself or to others.
On Opportunity and Reflection
Breaking the rules can also provide opportunities. Speaking up against an injustice, standing up for what is right or taking a risk to build something new and unique through creativity, can provide a sense of achievement and self-confidence.
In addition, breaking the rules also provides another layer of self-discovery. It can often make one aware of the complexity and ambiguities of certain situations as well as the need for reflection and thought as to the consequences of one’s actions.
This quote is an invitation to push ourselves, take risks, express ourselves and stand up for what we believe in. The danger comes when we allow ourselves to become reckless and act without considering the consequences.
Dare to Be Different
At the very heart of this quote is the invitation to be daring, be yourself and dare to be different. True independence comes from being aware of oneself and of one’s beliefs. This doesn’t mean we have to take great risks or act recklessly, but instead to make sure our beliefs are in accordance with our values and principles.
Taking risks with regards to our beliefs, opinions and dreams can be rewarding, but one must remember to exercise judgement. It is best to consider ethics, morals and the potential for harm prior to making decisions.
Although it is impossible to know for sure who said this exact phrase, we can still feel inspired by it. Life is short and there is no point in living it if we don’t dare to be different.
