Obey or Disobedience

What if one continued to do what they were told no matter the consequences? The author, Theodore Dalrymple, is a British physician who discusses why blind obedience is discouraged. His article, “ Just Do What the Pilot Tells You”, was first published in the New Statesman. In this specific article, he touches on points in our lives when we are supposed to do what we are told. Disobedience is when a person chooses to disobey some sort of order they were directed to do. The main point that the author is trying to make is that neither obedience or disobedience should be more prominent than the other. Although Dalrymple seems to be explaining reasons that people choose to obey or disobey, he is actually using these

Human beings possess several virtues that differentiate them from other creatures and can use them in ways that represent their perceptions of social order. Surprisingly, Oscar Wilde believes that disobedience is an original virtue of every human and that it is responsible for progress and development. While Wilde’s claim is not entirely accurate, it is largely valid as evidenced by the recent events across the world, including the US, that have led to positive outcomes in spite of being termed and perceived as acts of disobedience.

Disobedience is the failure or refusal to obey rules or someone in authority. Disobedience like obedience becomes a virtue. Disobedience can prove that a person can stand against what they think is wrong and what they believe. In the past, there has been people that fought for what they thought was correct and made a change in the world. Like Irish Oscar Wilde once said, “It is through disobedience that progress has been made…,” I believe only the courageous will stand for themselves and for what they believe. Just like Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King did.

When people hear the words “disobey to authority”, often what might come to mind is a dog in an obedience class. Dogs are trained to obey the authority of a human owner, and when they disobey that authority they are often punished or chastised for their actions. With humans though, the process is somewhat different. “Disobedience to authority” could then mean almost anything. It could be disobedience to a rule in a board game, a law, a teacher, a boss, a government... It could be civil disobedience or classroom disobedience. No matter what “disobedience to authority” calls to mind, often times the disobedience to authority is a plausible case that can be allowed for its reasoning. Within the context of The Crucible and modern societal disobedience

Civil disobedience is defined as the “refusal to obey civil laws in an effort to induce change in government policy or legislation, characterized by nonviolent means”; theories on this topic have been debated for centuries. (American Heritage Dictionary 3rd Edition pg161) Henry David Thoreau was well known for his refusal to participate in the political systems or activities of his era, not only by refusing to pay his poll taxes for six consecutive years, but also by announcing that he did not wish to be regarded as a member of any incorporated society. In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau stresses the need to prioritize one’s conscience over the dictates of laws. A person should not be obligated to devote his or her life to eliminating evils from the world, but is only obligated not to participate in such evils themselves. He argues that the government rarely proves itself useful and this derives from the power from the majority because they are the strongest group, not because they hold the most legitimate views. Justice is the quality of being just, impartial or fair. Thoreau doubted the effectiveness of reform within the government, and argued that voting and petitioning for change served useless. He felt that justice had different standards for each different group. Which raises the question, is justice fair for everyone? When a government is unjust, people should

Obedience is a trait that is taught in schools, cherished by parents, and respected by society. Disobedience, on the other hand, is frowned upon and generally discouraged in society. Many argue that this trait has adverse effects on society. Oscar Wilde, a prominent play writer during the 1890’s, argues that disobedience is a valuable trait that has changed the world. Although many do not see disobedience as a virtue, Wilde does. Wilde’s statement is valid because disobedience is a rare, yet remarkable characteristic that is essential in improving the world.

The author exemplifies the ways that disobedience helps the society and its contribution to furthering the human race but notes on the fact that blind obedience may eventually account for the end of civilization.

Disobedience is a necessary human trait needed to rebel against unjust authority, to see unfairness in a society that prefers one type of person, and to do the right thing in the face of the law. Irish author, Oscar Wilde, wrote in 1891 that disobedience is a valuable human trait that’s necessary to progress, which is a sentiment that holds true to this day.

There are many novels that deal with the main character “disobeying”, however Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a prime of example of disobeying for the correct reasons that will hopefully aid in prompting social change. By looking at this novel one validates Oscar Wilde’s claim that disobedience

The Statue of Liberty exists to symbolize America¡¯s justice and liberty; although, the unjust system we abide by displays an obvious account of misrepresentation. Civil disobedience has been a recurrent issue in our society because many people oppose unjust laws and actions set upon our country. The government exists to provide good for the people by acknowledging what is in the best interest for the population. They seem to ignore the significant issues that affect us most and would rather invest their time and effort into other trivial predicaments. There is no backbone in history to support the claim that our nation governs and makes decisions through moral reasoning when that should be of the utmost importance. Although civil

As humans, we all conform to one idea or another. These ideas can have positive and negative effects on the people and world around us. We are unable to avoid conformity, but we can show our individuality. Norman Shpancer’s article states that all humans conform to ideas that might not necessarily cause problems, but there are instances where the choices they make cause immense harm to others around them. Logan Feys’ biography on Leopard Man claims that people who act out of the ordinary, or looked at as freaks by society, live a happier life than the “slaves of society.” [Thesis].

Disobedience is man’s greatest trait because without disobedience there is no progression. It helps make new strides in mostly everything we do.

Rebelling and disobeying has been something we’ve all thought about doing at one point in our lives. Humans just work that way. If we see something we don't believe in; we will stand up for it. “The reason we've made progress was and is because we have rebelled” as Irish Oscar Wilde stated. The United States of America would’ve never became a nation, if it weren’t for rebellion or disobedience to the authority in England , which is why I agree with Wilde.  People wouldn’t be free of past government laws. Women wouldn't have the rights they have today without some sort of action. Although we have the right of free speech today, before it wasn’t considered a right of the people. The government saw this as an act of rebellion.

When disobedience occurs, society feels threatened, but only a few have the heart and courage to encourage it. Oscar Wilde’s claim is that “disobedience is a valuable human trait and that it promotes social progress.” Wilde is right because disobedience can improve a situation or help with social issues.

I agree that disobedience is a valuable human trait. It takes courage and strength, which in the end promotes social progress. “Quien no arriesga, no cruz el río” is a spanish proverb that translates into nothing ventured, nothing gained. In order to change something in your life it may involve not always following every law. You have to be willing to change and take risks to get what you want. You have to be disobedient. Along with that, people in general that do not follow the social norms or abide by all the laws reject conformity.