Morality is a complex concept that has been debated and discussed by philosophers and thinkers for centuries. At its core, morality is about understanding what is right and wrong, and how we should act in the world. One important aspect of morality is the idea of unwritten rules. This phrase is a reminder that even if something is technically allowed or possible, it may not be the right thing to do.

In any community or society, there are certain unwritten rules or norms that govern how people interact with one another. These rules are not always explicitly stated, but they are understood and expected by members of the community. When these unwritten rules are broken, it can cause a breakdown in trust and civility. One common example of this is when someone decides to selfishly push for their own gain, even if it means breaking the unwritten rules of the community. They may justify their actions by saying that it is “not technically against the rules,” but in doing so they are eroding the very fabric of the community they belong to.

I’ve been on the receiving end of lots of these, but that’s just my opinion.

The problem with unwritten rules is that they rely on a shared understanding of what is acceptable behavior. When someone breaks these rules, it can create confusion and uncertainty for everyone else. The community then has to write down a new rule to prevent this behavior from happening again. The best way for a market to be a free market is for the participants to exercise self-restraint. This means that everyone should act in a way that is fair and reasonable, even if it means sacrificing some short-term gains. However, this is not always possible, especially in highly competitive markets. The second best way to ensure a free market is to have clear and useful rules that are stated and enforced. This can help prevent individuals from breaking the unwritten rules and creating a culture of distrust and selfishness. Rules provide a framework for behavior and help ensure that everyone is playing by the same rules.

What doesn’t work are unwritten rules that are often broken by selfish bullies or indignant asshats. These individuals may believe that they are entitled to break the rules or that the rules don’t apply to them. However, their actions can have far-reaching consequences for the community as a whole.

I’m thinking of making a list of such people, but that may be against the unwritten rules.