Some things in life are chosen for us, others we choose for ourselves. We have no say in our birth and little say, if any, in our death. Yet, choice is how we exercise our liberty.
Having the right to something isn’t the same thing as having it. We have the right to life, but life is fragile. Life should be respected and, if not defended, can be easily lost, not just our life but the lives of others, as well. All those deprived of liberty have the right to it. Also, the pursuit of happiness isn’t always a given.
Most of who we are is a product of our birth and our life choices. Life can be many things. It can be easy. It can be difficult. It can be delightful. It can be unbearable. Circumstance beyond birth can also provide fortune or famine. To a certain extent, all feelings of being in control are illusionary.
Human nature can readily be observed in a classroom. No matter the level, students of all ages will test the boundaries of rules. That’s why experienced teachers are ready for their first test. Yes, teachers get tested because students want to find out which, if any, rules get enforced. If the teacher makes the mistake of boasting meaningless ultimatums, the students will walk all over them.
But, that’s only one side of the equation. Most students want the security that comes from enforced rules, even at the cost of facing discipline. In the novel, Lord of the Flies, we are shown what happens when a group of boys find themselves in a circumstance where no rules are enforced. Of course, the rules of life don’t depend on mankind for enforcement. Life isn’t fair. Life isn’t cruel. It just is.
