Do we as citizens have a duty to conform to society?
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Unbroken (
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May 25th, 2013
Regardless of belief, or make up do we have a duty to conform to societies conventions? At what point is it ok to break away from it? Where would growth be without some one challenging status quo? Where would innovation be? But at the same time conventions, traditions, are what we are told ties us as a people together as a society.
So whether we personally uphold different values in a public setting, or whether we challenge them what is actually being achieved and is there value to it?
Should we compromise ourselves and pay personally for some sort of perceived greater good?
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8 Answers
George Bernard Shaw had the best quote on the topic that I know of:
Reasonable men adapt themselves to their surroundings. Unreasonable men adapt their surroundings to suit themselves. Therefore, all progress depends upon unreasonable men.
Okay, forget about the sexist nature of the quote – it was a different time then – but it’s still apropos, I think.
I believe Frank Zappa had the best follow-on, where he said the same thing in a slightly different way (and here I’m just paraphrasing): “Without deviations from the norm, progress is impossible.”
Yes, when it comes to matters such as driving on the correct side of the road; waiting your turn in line; not disturbing the peace. Consideration of others smooths the rough side of communal living. These kinds of things shouldn’t interfere with innovations and progress.
I’m a complete rebel when it’s appropriate. When I’m problem solving or working on things anything goes. If I’m on the highway I conform to the rules and drive very well. I just wish all the the other stupid idiots would do the same.
So long as the deviation isn’t hurting anyone, I’m all for non-conformity. Conformity can be very close to complacency, and I will never accept that the way things are is the only way they can or should be. Deviation from the norm is required to make progress.
Yes—that’s what makes a society work—but not a slavish duty. Sometimes, laws and rules and customs have to be questioned, revised, updated and yes, even ignored, though not to the extent that it others are put in peril.
Very good points. Of course now it seems like mere common sense.
Thank you for not implying that : P
Conventions that exist to assure safety or prevent needless inconvenience should be respected. If your society is racist, sexist or intentionally ignorant, then speak up. Society is not improved by giving comfort to ignorant, hateful and malignant people.
We need a good balance between individuality and conformity.
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