> Aren't all rules imaginary? Rules are agreements between people. They're binding in the sense that we value our reputations, and we value not having to pay t

> Aren't all rules imaginary? Rules are agreements between people. They're binding in the sense that we value our reputations, and we value not having to pay the consequences - often formally recorded - of not abiding by them. Did the people making the agreements imagine doing so, or did it really happen? Are the consequences real, and enforced, or are they just words? If the rule is enforced, it is not imaginary at all. > We've decided this rule must remain in place, because it's a rule. This is the sane default position. If you don't understand a rule enough to be convinced it is problematic, it's safer to leave it in place than allow someone to erode it. Certainly the people in charge of rules should be able to understand them, but I'll take people who don't understand the rules and yet faithfully follow them over people who don't understand them and throw them away.