Community Quote by John Maynard Smith
“Societies depend on agreed rules.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Evolution and the Theory of Games, 1982
Social order relies on mutually accepted rules; without consensus, cooperation collapses.
In simple terms: Rules enable cooperation.
Key Takeaway
Establish clear norms.
Themes
sociology
evolutionary biology
game theory
Mood
reflective
practical
Type
ethical
social
When to use this quote
- team projects
- legal systems
- community governance
Key Concepts
rules
cooperation
social contracts
Questions to Reflect On
- How are rules created in your group?
- When should rules be revised?
A Different Perspective
Rules can become oppressive if unchallenged.
![“This argument [that life is too improbable to have arisen by chance] comes up repeatedly: its latest manifestation is Hoyle's discussion of the likelihood of a wind blowing through a junkyard assembling a Boeing 707 [sic]. What is wrong with it? Essentially, it is that no biologist imagines that…” quote by John Maynard Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b2/john-maynard-smith-28856_argument_this-argument-that-life-is-too-improbabl_1662785.jpg)
![“The social [media channel] isn't about beauty contests and popularity contests. They're a distortion, a caricature of the real thing. It's about trust, connection, and community. That's what there's too little of in today's mediascape, despite all the hoopla surrounding social tools. The promise…” quote by Umair Haque](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c85/umair-haque-25881_beauty_the-social-media-channel-isn-t-about-bea_1270.jpg)
