Member-only story
We need to practice breaking rules. We are so used to obedience, that we feel very uncomfortable breaking them even when the situation demands it.
I was a well-behaved child. In elementary school, while other students were boisterous yelling and running around, I’d be sitting at my desk, hands folded and eyes forward, awaiting instructions from the teacher. That’s not a bad thing. I was a thoughtful and attentive student.
But sometimes you need to be a rebel. When there is evil behavior in the world coming from authorities, we need to be able to defy those authorities and speak out. And yes, actually stop them.
We aren’t prepared for this. Heck, I’m not prepared for this and I’ve started a group that’s intended to change the world through nonviolent noncooperation. That is, a group that applies disobedience!
The Saners seeks to use nonviolent noncooperation to prevent climate collapse and build a better, more humane society—worldwide. We won’t be able to do that unless we get comfortable disobeying.
I’d better get ready. I’m thinking small steps until it gets really comfortable, and doing the right thing instead of the accepted thing becomes natural.
When it’s safe to cross a street—against the light—because there isn’t a car for miles around…well, just…
