List of Rules to Live By


Lists are very popular nowadays.

There are websites dedicated to the list of rules fictional NCIS character Jethro Gibbs  proposes.  His dead wife even had some.  Unfortunately all we ever hear of was her rule three, “Never date a lumberjack.”   Not exactly a barn burner.

Of course there is the famous infamous internet rule number 39:  If it’s on the internet, there’s porn of it.”  Google it at your own risk!  

The NRA has 3 rules and seven strongly worded suggestions,   The gun culture has added the zeroth order rule: “All guns are always loaded until you personally check it.”  

One should remember the core rules to live by: The Ten Commandments.  It's not a bad list to help grow a collection of tribal families into a nation.

Each set of rules are guidelines to help us function on our journey through life.  Societies, the military, even the Boy Scouts have oaths and laws.  You might think of these rules and lists as mission statements!   

In any situation ask yourself what is your expected behavior as referenced to your list and act accordingly.  Of course some rules are ambiguous allowing you to adapt to unexpected circumstances. 

Here’s mine (subject to revision):

  1.           Keep your eyes on your surroundings.
  2.           Be a Boy Scout.  Scouts are prepared. (Always!)
  3.           Have tools available for use.
  4.           Have skill with your tools.
  5.           Know what’s important and take care of it.
  6.           Always have an edge, preferably one made from steel.
  7.           Better to have a flashlight than stumble in the darkness.
  8.           One is none, two is one.   
  9.           Have a reload: Life is dear, ammo is cheap.
  10.           Kiss your spouse and hug your kids every chance you get.
  11.           If you lie for them, expect that they will lie to you.
  12.           Expect the sucker punch.
Is this it?  Are these all the rules I live my life by?  Only these rules?  

Well, no, and frankly the order changes.  I didn’t mention “Be gentle with old people” or “Always take advantage of porcelain” or the well known  “It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission.” 

Most societies and organizations have rules, but the words don't always say what you think they do.  Look the list over and I’m sure you can find hidden meanings.  Maybe they’ll even match mine.

Send me your list and I’ll publish it.

I stole these from
 http://straightforwardinacrookedworld.blogspot.com/2007/03/rules.html

"But a man should have his own rules in life that should be followed by him. Why? See rule #25 for the answer.
1: Love God.
2: Always have a knife.
3: Don't put your hands on anyone, require the same from everyone else.
4: Don't allow yourself to be wronged or insulted.
5: Everyone lies.
6: Watch the hands, hands kill.
7: If it's not yours don't take it.
8: Pockets are to be used to assist you in life.
9: All guns are loaded.
10: It is better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.
11: Keep your word.
12: Keep an eye on the door.
13: Have a plan.
14: Never apologize if you aren't wrong or for doing the job right.
15: Don't mess with the coffee.
16: It is better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you are not.
17: Have a second plan.
18: Have a way to make fire.
19: Never bother a Holyman unnecessarily.
20: Don't bother the driver, he is driving.
21: If you aren't willing to lead, don't bitch about being led.
22: Cigars are acceptable. Cigarettes are not.
23: Make love to your wife at least once a week. A loved wife is a happy wife.
24: Work.
25: Make it home."

I'm not overly religious and I was tempted to delete a few, but who hell am I to decide the rules for someone else.  These are Matthew's and I bet you can find some nuggets of gold in them.   

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