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You may be surprised to learn that there a many people, including myself, who do not refrain from anti-social behavior because of "rules," "laws," or "mores," but rather are "self-managed." The posting of the 10 commandments on public buildings or the publishing of the penal code have absolutely nothing to do with how we structure our behavior.

Before the hackles start to stand up on the back of your neck and you wonder if I am loose in your neighborhood with an ax let me explain that you may possibly be receiving a greater benefit from persons such as myself than you realize.

"Self-management" is based on one test and one test only; "Is the current behavior civilized?" I use my the dictionary definition of civilized, "to bring out of a savage, uneducated, or rude state; make civil; elevate in social and private life; enlighten; refine."

There are no "Golden Rules" or "Taboos" restraining me as I go forth into the world each day. I interact with my fellows and respond accordingly to "Civilized" and "Uncivilized behavior."

As an example, one of the top "Uncivilized behaviors" in my mind is bullying. I use a slightly modified version (by including entity) of the standard dictionary definition of: noun 1. A blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing person 'or entity' who habitually badgers and intimidates smaller or weaker people.

When I experience bullies in action I always intervene on behalf of the underdog.

This is just one aspect of self-management that guides me daily. I choose not to steal, lie, murder, or engage in any other anti-social behavior because it would be uncivilized, not because I have The Sword of Damocles hanging over my head, ready to fall at the instant I "break a rule." I am not a child to be kept out of the cookie jar by threat of a spanking.

This philosophy extends to government as well. Our country was founded by men who knew when it was time to stop bowing to the King of England and throw off the threat of his punishments.

Self-management is a much greater responsibility than following the rules of those who have placed themselves in positions of moral authority over you and should not be attempted by those with lack of resolve, a faint heart or weak spirit.

Learn more about this author, Derek R. Snow.
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