The Invisible Glue: Why Rules Matter

Rules are not just random restrictions. They are the invisible glue holding our world together.

Last summer, a stop sign in my neighborhood was knocked down for three whole

days. It was pure chaos. Nobody knew who had the right

of way. Everyone was terrified. First, rules create predictability. You know your

neighbor cannot just claim your house as theirs. Second, they protect the

vulnerable. Rules level the playing field so the strong cannot dominate.

Third, rules create freedom. Property laws allow you to start a business or

leave your bike. Good rules work so well that we forget they are there,