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My wife Ticky is an anarchist-individualist... When she was in the Navy during the early 'forties she showed up one morning in proper uniform but with her red hair held down by a simple navy-blue band - a hair ribbon. It was neat (Ticky is always neat) and it suited the rest of her outfit esthetically, but it was undeniably a hair ribbon and her division officer had fits. 'If you can show me,' Ticky answered with simple diginity, 'where it says one word in the Navy Uniform Regulations on the subject of hair ribbons, I'll take it off. Otherwise not.' See what I mean? She doesn't have the right attitude.

Robert A. Heinlein#19

AuthorityRulesDignityIndividuality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Individuality and challenging arbitrary rules can lead to conflict with authority.
In plain terms
Following your own standards over rigid rules can make others upset.
What can you take from it?
Questioning unnecessary regulations asserts personal autonomy.

Where it applies

  • workplace
  • military
  • social norms

Putting it to work

  • identify arbitrary rules
  • assert personal values
  • accept consequences

Questions to consider

  • Which rules do you question?
  • When is rebellion justified?

Another view

Challenging rules can have serious professional repercussions.

More from Robert A. Heinlein

  1. I would say that my position is not too far from that of Ayn Rand's; that I would like to see government reduced to no more than internal police and courts, ex…

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  2. Listen, son. Most women are damn fools and children. But they've got more range then we've got. The brave ones are braver, the good ones are better - and the v…

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  3. Widows are far better than brides. They don't tell, they won't yell, they don't swell, they rarely smell, and they're grateful as hell.

    Permalink to quote #17

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