The unwritten rules get written

In the world of human interaction, there are certain unwritten rules that are expected to be followed by all parties involved. These rules are not legally binding, nor are they explicitly stated in any written document. They are simply understood by everyone involved as a basic code of conduct for how to treat each other with civility and respect. However, when someone decides to break these unwritten rules, it can create chaos and confusion, leading to the need for them to be written down.

When a harsh competitor unilaterally breaks an unwritten rule, it can throw the whole system off balance. For example, in the world of business, there are certain expectations of how companies will conduct themselves in their dealings with each other. For example, there is an unwritten rule that if one company discovers a new product or service, they will not immediately start advertising it until they have given their competitors a chance to catch up. This is seen as fair play and good sportsmanship. However, if a company decides to push ahead and start advertising anyway, it can create resentment and ill will among their competitors, leading to the need for a new rule to be written down.

The same principle applies in many other areas of life as well. For example, in sports, there are unwritten rules about how players should behave on the field or court. For example, it is generally understood that players should not intentionally injure each other, and that they should avoid trash talking or other forms of unsportsmanlike conduct. However, when a player decides to break these rules and engages in dirty tactics, it can ruin the game for everyone involved, and lead to the need for new rules to be put in place.

Ultimately, the best way for any market or system to function is for the participants to exercise self-restraint. If everyone involved is committed to following the unwritten rules of fair play and good sportsmanship, then there is no need for additional rules to be written down. However, this is not always the case. There will always be individuals who are willing to break the rules in order to gain an advantage, whether it be in business, sports, or any other area of life. When this happens, it is up to the community to come together and write down new rules that will prevent such behavior from occurring again in the future.

Of course, simply writing down rules is not enough. The rules must be clear, useful, and enforceable. If the rules are too vague or difficult to understand, they will not be effective in preventing bad behavior. Likewise, if the rules are not enforced consistently, then people will simply ignore them and continue to do whatever they want. It is therefore essential that the rules be clearly defined and enforced consistently in order to be effective.

In conclusion, while unwritten rules are an important part of human interaction, they can be easily broken by selfish individuals who are only concerned with their own interests. When this happens, it is up to the community to come together and write down new rules that will prevent such behavior from occurring again in the future. By doing so, we can create a fair and just society where everyone is held to the same standard of behavior, and where the playing field is level for all.