Actions and Consequences

I know how to kill the spirit of rebellion, the thrill of rule breaking. Do not teach that something is not allowed, and do not teach that a breach of rules will be punished. Rules and penalties assert authority, and people live to challenge authority for they know that it is fallible. Instead teach that actions have consequences, and that the consequences of certain actions will be unpleasant. Actions and consequences, causes and effects are fixed mathematical certainties and it will not occur to someone to challenge them. When you set a penalty for breaking a rule, present it as the consequence of an action. Explain why that particular action results in that particular consequence. It will make it easier for the person to accept that rule, and perhaps even agree with it. Truth and reason will always triumph over smoke and mirrors. Rebellion is a symptom of the gangrene of justice. If we do not learn the reasons behind rules, we will not be able to conceive penalties as just consequences, but as mere technicalities, inconveniences to be dodged.