Daring to think that the rules do not apply is the mark of a visionary.

It’s also the mark of narcissism.

Ariel Levy – The Rules Do Not Apply

The one thing I learned as an overly-responsible, first-born daughter was not only did the rules apply, I was expected to be the upholder, exemplar, and communicator of the rules.

But no one could ever tell me where the rules came from. It was always a mysterious “they” who insisted I live my life in their boxes. Later, as I got older, I could start naming “them” – my mother’s Italian culture, the Church, the US South, etc. To follow the rules was supposed to guarantee love, acceptance, happiness.

Who would dare to think the rules do not apply? Ariel Levy ponders that in her book. What does it look like to not obey the rules, or worse, to make your own rules?

And how does one tell a visionary from a narcissist? This should be required learning, as 77 million Americans needed that skill.

Welcome to my latest exercise in an attempt to reach my goal of being a prolific writer in 2025. So, in addition to writing 1 short story each week (Because Ray Bradbury said you can’t write 52 bad ones – challenge accepted!) I will  post an entry from my Commonplace book and a short note on why the quote spoke to me on that day. I can hear you now – sucky stories and random quotes? Sign me up.

For more information about the blogging challenge, see http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/)