# 33. The Pendulum Rule

Principle

The pendulum rule reads: «Do as I do» which means, change yourself, change yourself and copy the stereotype. In the effort to live up to someone else’s standard of success, people lose themselves and become deeply unhappy, because keeping up with all the standards is simply impossible. So, don’t do it. Don’t be afraid of breaking the pendulum’s rule. Set your own standards. Those who violate the pendulum’s rule become either leaders or renegades. Some break through to the stars and others turn into outcasts. The difference between the two is that the former act as if they have the total right to break the pendulum’s rule and the latter doubt whether they have the right or not. Claim the right to break the rule.

Interpretation

The pendulum’s rule is what establishes norms of behaviour and thinking, the standards of ‘normality’. People do not understand that they are being offered an ersatz, a surrogate of success. No one individual’s success can serve as a model for others to replicate. Only People who dare to break the rules and find their own path in life achieve true success. When you follow other people’s example, you are forever doomed to chase the setting sun. Standards of success are a mirage. People do not realise, or do not want to realise that the pendulum is trapping them in a web of illusion. The illusion is often sweeter, more convenient and clearer than the uncertainty of reality. On the other hand, if you do occupy a certain position within a structure, bear in mind, that you cannot just mindlessly antagonise it. It is not a question of freeing ourselves from pendulums altogether. That would hardly be possible. The most important thing is to avoid being a puppet and act with conscious awareness so that you can use the structure in your own interests. Strive to set new rules for yourself, without breaking the system’s existing rules.
