In a street right in the middle of the city a dog waits on instructions from his master. Experts say it’s essential to provide our pets with constant discipline so that they know who’s in charge. A dog that’s used to order and routine is reasonably happy because it knows what the limits are and the role it plays within the family. Something similar happens in our society. Sometimes we’re subject to rules and told there is only one way of looking at things. If we stick to the rules, there’s no problem. But seeing as we’re not trained animals, we shouldn’t always conform, we need to question established norms constantly and not just submit to impositions from above. There are many areas in which discipline is a good thing, but a dose of rebellion against some forms of political constraint can be good as well. That way, we get to control our own destiny.

12 December, 2014