Chapter 299
When the Rules Don't Apply
The Battle of Borodinó, with the occupation of Moscow that followed it and the flight of the French without further conflicts, is one of the most instructive phenomena in history. All historians agree that the external activity of states and nations in their conflicts with one another is expressed in wars, and that as a direct result of greater or less success in war the political strength of states and nations increases or decreases. Strange as may be the historical account of how some king or emperor, having quarreled with another, collects an army, fights his enemy’s army, gains a…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Own Rigged Game
Think of a current situation where you feel stuck or powerless - at work, with family, in your community, or dealing with institutions. Write down the 'rules' you're expected to follow, then brainstorm what would happen if you simply refused to play that particular game. What alternative approaches could you take?
Consider:
- •What assumptions are you making about what you 'have to' do?
- •Who benefits from you following the current rules?
- •What would collective action with others in your situation look like?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you or someone you know successfully changed the rules of a difficult situation instead of just trying harder within the existing system. What made that approach work?
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