--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Set up an arbitrary set of rules and then…" description: "\"“Set up an arbitrary set of rules and then follow them slavishly.”\" — Errol Morris" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/356/errol-morris-2512_craft_set-up-an-arbitrary-set-of-rules-and-the_1062710.jpg" --- # Set up an arbitrary set of rules and then follow them… ![“Set up an arbitrary set of rules and then follow them slavishly.” quote by Errol Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/356/errol-morris-2512_craft_set-up-an-arbitrary-set-of-rules-and-the_1062710.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/356/errol-morris-2512_craft_set-up-an-arbitrary-set-of-rules-and-the_1062710.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/356/errol-morris-2512_craft_set-up-an-arbitrary-set-of-rules-and-the_1062710.jpg) > ““Set up an arbitrary set of rules and then follow them slavishly.”” [Errol Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/errol-morris/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Establish arbitrary rules and then obey them without question, leading to rigid adherence. **In simple terms:** Blindly follow self‑made rules. Key Takeaway Question the rules you set. Themes authority rigidity critical thinking Mood critical reflective Type philosophical practical When to use this quote - personal habits - organizational policy - education Key Concepts systems thinking ethics self‑regulation Questions to Reflect On - What rules have you accepted without scrutiny? - When is strict adherence beneficial? A Different Perspective Rigid rule‑following can stifle creativity and adaptability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Craft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/craft/) ## Related quotes > [The most successful people do not make up the rules as they go. 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If you're trying…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/errol-morris/tell-me-what-s-wrong-with-this-idea-if-you-re-selling-to-somebody/) [Errol Morris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/errol-morris/) [Explore all 163 Errol Morris quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/errol-morris/) ## More Arbitrary quotes > [It is irresponsible to set an arbitrary cap on how much therapy a Medicare beneficiary can receive. It ignores the health needs of our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ensign/it-is-irresponsible-to-set-an-arbitrary-cap-on-how-much-therapy-a/) [John Ensign](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ensign/) > [I do think that theater is a great venue for science fiction, and not just adaptations but also original work. I also think some…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-einhorn/i-do-think-that-theater-is-a-great-venue-for-science-fiction-and-not/) Edward Einhorn > [To divide one's life by years is of course to tumble into a trap set by our own arithmetic. 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