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hackyhackytoday at 3:26 AM1 replyview on HN

"Obeying the law, no matter how pointless, wasteful, or destructive, is a virtue."

Does it make you feel good to participate in a meaningless charade of security theater? Or would you rather spend your time doing some of value?


Replies

lmmtoday at 6:21 AM

> Does it make you feel good to participate in a meaningless charade of security theater? Or would you rather spend your time doing some of value?

I think there is a lot of value in being part of a democratic society that has structured dispute-resolution processes. Part of the cost of that is occasionally going along with something pointless (even if some things warrant civil disobedience, not everything does), and that's a vital democratic responsibility. So yes, I do feel good doing that - the same kind of good I feel when I pick up someone else's litter or give up my time for jury service. If anything, going along with a law you disagree with is harder, and more virtuous, than those.