Those who know me would probably call me the most stubborn person they know, my parents, my girlfriend, my teachers, my closest friends, all believe I am one of the most stubborn they have ever met. Well here is why, I refuse to do something that I do not understand, I did not want to learn to read because it was not explained to me why I should. Once it was explained I quickly went on to the highest of reading levels simply because I realized that reading was good for me. My father had a similar story with punishment which he loves to tell anyone who listens, when I was younger any time my parents attempted to punish me by telling me to do something such as sitting in a chair I would simply say “no.” They would then attempt to place me there and hold me while I struggled, punching, nawing anything to hurt them or myself to cause them pity. I sound like a brat right? Interesting enough, eventually I told them what their problem was, at the age of ten I explained that they needed to be fair. I understood I had as much power as they did to command, only less physical force. However, to my advantage I had their pity for me and reluctance of using their strength. Which led me to simply explain to them that if they treat me fair and deal with me by giving me chores in order to give me freedom, I would be willing to do as I am told. I was not willing to accept punishments for something which I did not understand or something that I did not agree to.

Take this lesson to all parents, learn to teach your children how to trade, explain every action. I do not remember one time where I have accepted punishment which I felt to be unjust, nor have I ever committed what I would consider a crime or broken a rule which I felt to be just. I have never stolen, never hurt another unless force was used on me, I avoided arguments, I avoided discussing in class unless called upon, I never speak at my job except to ask or answer questions. This is how I have been my whole life, even since I was a child, perhaps if children were taught that this is the right way to act, to trade to communicate, to discuss WHY to do something parents would have a better handle on their children as well as teach them how to react in the world.