Sunday, December 14, 2008

LAW 20: DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE

What did Elvis Presley say about falling in love?

A few years ago, he sang "Wise men say,Only fools rush in" (Can't Help Falling In Love) For Elvis, falling in love might have been a fool's game, however when Queen Elizabeth I played the game of love(or at the least- game of affection), she was nobody's fool.

Queen Elizabeth I is known as the "Virgin Queen" for the simple reason of not having been married to anyone in her reign as queen of England. She was the epitome of the non-committing life, but it didn't stop her from drawing the attention, interest, attraction and affection of all eligible western 16th century bachelors. Being the center of attention even gave her advantage over diplomatic affairs. For the peace between France and England she had flirted with the dukes of Anjou and Alencon, and had civilly withdrawn when the peace treaty was settled.

Another female force named Isabella d'Este also practiced similar ploys for diplomacy's sake. Isabella was determined to let her state of Mantua remain independent from clashing foreign powers. She did not take sides with any who obviously had higher power but instead she pleased them with favors. This way the higher powers returned the favor by not invading them.

Law 20 simply states that committing to anyone will renounce all power of being desired and advantageous. Being independent is the key to maintain control over the people around you. Over time, independence will be respected, and then desired and then coveted. To gain power, be vulnerable- give the impression that you are interested to commit- and take this advantage to control.

Yet, there remain questions- with our country’s current situation: was it wise enough for our ancestors and heroes to have fought are independence? or is it wiser for our PGMA to rub-elbows with the American government now?

Is this concept of independence applicable to our country? Is there any country that is completely independent? Why do you think they are independent?

Maybe, like how the song goes, our heroes were foolish to have fought for our independence because they couldn’t help fall in love with our country. Sometimes I just hope we could be foolish in the same way and appreciate our country more.

Cristal Chael Rodriguez
Hi18-L

47 comments:

D said...

Well, if our ancestors never fought, we would never gain independence and a country to begin with. PGMA wouldn't have to rub elbows with anyone - she never becomes president!

So I think that while the law calls for independence, it needs firm resolution and strong principles on the part of whoever is playing the part of the "Virgin Queen". For she is committed strongly to her country, and to succeed politically she never committed to anything else.

So in line with the PGMA issue, I do not think the main fault lies on rubbing elbows with the American government, Qatar, or anyone else for that matter. Ours is a globalized world. The fault lies in other matters, like ZTE, corruption, government appointments and others which are completely out of the topic right now.

-Dylan Valerio
Hi18L

Anonymous said...

I don't think that any one country is independent. Economically speaking, Each country is dependent on other countries for food (i.e. spices etc.), products and raw materials. Relying on other countries also could help a country grow.

I think that our country can survive without our dependence on America for imported goods. We have sufficient supply for everyone.

Clarice Manuel
Hi18 K

Anonymous said...

i completely agree with Clarice, it's impossible for any country to be totally independent from others. Isolation never really works so everyone has to commit at a certain length to somebody else.

Although this law is great in that it keeps your options open, it should not be used for a long time. By not choosing sides or committing to anyone, you are putting yourself in the danger of running out of your resources (that initially have helped you bide the time leading up to your supposed decisions).

My law teacher would sometimes ask the whole class a yes or no question. Although "I don't know" is usually seen as safe, she would always urge us not to be fence sitters (neutral people) who won't commit because then we'd never learn or believe in anything.

monica ang L

Anonymous said...

In a sense, not committing leaves one with a broad choice of options. Options are always good. Not to mention that one may actually do more if he/she isn't weighed down by certain commitments. Since Elizabeth wasn't emotionally involved with anyone, there was no reason for her to not see whomever she pleased. This gave her the opportunity to attain her desire to settle certain treaties along the way.

I agree that independence is vital in maintaining a certain amount of control with the people around you. But total independence is something else. Following what Clarice said, countries aren't exactly completely independent.

Say said...

I'd actually like to ask about the 'commit' part of the thing... The way I understand it is that there are two 'commits' being talked about: devotion and dependence

Devotion: meaning you have an attachment to someone/something... (applies more on the Elizabeth example)

unlike,

Dependence: where this attachment is based upon a need for something from that someone/something... (ex. the countries)

So in what cases would the law apply?

On another note:

Elizabeth WAS smart to not commit herself in such a way; she was able to use her 'assets' (for the lack of a better term) to make everything work out in her favor.

As for the dependence on countries... let's just say some of them were smart to make sure that other countries WOULD be dependent on them... say iraq with their oil?

Jame Say
Hi18K

Anonymous said...

independence can be a good thing because independent people in a sense, mature fast because they learn things on their own. they discover things for themselves and are more aggressive because they direct their own lives. however, no one should be too independent to the point of isolation. we are relational beings after all, and certain situations will come where in we will really need the help of other people. it is important to be able to relate well with other people because we share this world with them. that is why, there must be a balance because to much of everything is bad.

i also think that countries depend on other countries because there are resources that need to be shared. what one country has may not necessarily be what the other country has. we work together in order to progress and go on with life.

-Philip Albert T. Verde
Hi18 K

Anonymous said...

By some weird reason, the law gives me the impression of being a user. You don't want to be too associated with someone or something so you'd have the freedom to do whatever you want and flee from one to the other. The act of committing to something or someone doesn't strip you entirely of being desirable and advantageous. Being able to commit, I personally think, is rather worthy of praise because that person was able to make a stand. Someone who has a stand and is able to live it out gracefully is more worthy of power.

Rhea Entuna
Hi-L

chiocebrero said...

I'll play the role of post-colonial critic and say that we're really not as "free" and independent as we think we are. I don't think the Philippines really escaped the clutches of colonialism. We're still an American colony, as far as I am (and the post-colonial perspective) is concerned.

Being independent does project an image of power and individual strength, but I think that you can only be independent to a certain extent. In a highly globalized world, leaders depend on other leaders and make commitments for peace and order. In line with some of the comments posted above: a country like ours cannot stand on its own feet (at least not right now). Sometimes we have to commit to others to gain power.

Chio Cebrero
Hi 18 L

Anonymous said...

i think another important point of the law aside from the "committing" part or one's dependence on others is what happens after one commits - since you were granted a favor of some sort, the other party will tend to expect something in return. this has to be prevented from happening...as much as possible, avoid having to return favors.

For example, A committed to B because B gave/will give something to A. (this is were dependence comes, right?) it's good if it stops with the receiving. But then, B will expect A to give him something in return. Equivalent exchange... if A continues to commit, B will also continue to expect to get something from A.

I think Isabella d'Este is a good example for this law. she "used" others but didn't commit to them. and she did that by pleasing them with favors. she knows that if she uses them, they'd expect something from her, so she takes the initiative of doing something good for them first before she uses them. these people will be compelled to return the favors, and what happened is that her state was not invaded. she took control.

Chris Macalinao
Hi18 -L

Unknown said...

This reminds me of star wars and Yoda:

Yoda: Careful you must be when sensing the future Anakin. The fear of loss is a path to the dark side.

Anakin: I won't let these visions come true, Master Yoda.

Yoda: Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed that is.

Anakin: What must I do?

Yoda: Train yourself to let go... of everything you fear to lose.

Attaching yourself to someone could be a liability, or an asset in the eyes of your enemies. They could use it for some leverage.

Denis Flores
Hi 18K

Anonymous said...

I chose “Running the Race” for my ACP and we had Prof. Danton Remoto as our speaker. He spoke of his experiences in gaining the support of the congressmen and congresswomen. A certain congresswoman had a meeting with him and she asked for 50 machine guns in exchange for his win in her province. The meeting ended with him saying “I’ll think about it”. Why? He says that saying no would probably get him killed (or lose at the very least) and saying yes would put him on the line as early as a year before the elections (with no sufficient fund yet).

It’s saying that you’d like to keep them hanging until you’re sure. It’s telling us to strategize and have options (even if it means keeping them hanging), rather than having nothing at your hands at all.

Mara Liboro
hi18-K

Anonymous said...

I don't really agree with this law. It is true that burdens and responsibilities follow in every commitment, but I don't think that those burdens and responsibilities will always give us disadvantages. Although being committed to someone might reduce the number of opportunities, but I think being committed would make us be secured and stable.
To answer the questions, I don't think that any country is independent. Although countries are independent in a sense that it is not colonized by other countries but it is impossible for a country to be isolated and not receive any help from other countries. I think that exporting and importing any kinds of goods are already a sign of dependency.

Yu Chin Hong
Hi18-K

Anonymous said...

No man is an island.
it's better to have allies than to be alone with the enemy being the ones allied against you.
With your success, why would other countries not want to conquer you. Like in civ, you can ask other players to go to war and cut off supplies of a certain player simply because you are in good relations with them.
Being alone leaves every angle open for a hit.

JR Resma
Hi18 K

Unknown said...

Is it just me or does this powerful book contradict itself from time to time?

At times, it calls for teamwork and conspiracy against a common enemy. Others (like in this law) still tell you to internalize the part of the lone wolf. :|

Every bit helps in context, I guess.

Joey Palma
Hi18-K

Anonymous said...

Well said.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth and Isabella seemed to be pretty powerful and able to stand on their own. Honestly, the Philippines sort of needs the help. It's great that we're allied with the most powerful country in the world, but it's not great that we have to send troops to their wars and people who don't like them don't like us. i think that's the driving force of the law- that committing forces all the mistakes of your partner on you.
Du, L

Anonymous said...

I like the examples you gave. It shows the value of a noncommittal and yet amiable relationship, and I guess it's better to be known as one independent body rather than being overshadowed by another state as their ally when you attach yourself to them. Isabel of Mantua did it right by at least doing favors to avoid invasion.

Peep Warren
Hi18-L

Anonymous said...

Actually, this law is quite similar to the way of the Tao, where inaction begets action. On the other hand, if when one never commits, amnesties and suspicion are bound to arise, springing forth from one's apparent weakness and indecision. Well, I guess I just wanted to point out that this law is not that absolute.

Filbert Tan
Hi18-K

Anonymous said...

I agree with Filbert that this law is actually similar to the Tao. People always come and go regardless if they are your partners or friends. One must not completely commit to any other individual completely. New opportunities might arise, one must take advantage of these opportunities. This is one of the main reasons why one cannot and must not completely commit to anyone.

Richard Hahn
L

Anonymous said...

Good point. I think no country is completely independent because each one requires a resource from another. Although a country should not entirely depend itself on other powerful nation because then the interest for that country is lost. It's important to have commitment because then there would be support and advantages. However, one should never commit completely because it shows instability and weakness.

Czarina Kathryne Masagca
Hi18-L

Anonymous said...

this is sort of tied to the assume formlessness law. when you tie yourself to others, it gives you an extra load to carry and gives you less flexibility. also, you're own interests will never be completely prioritized.
Du, L

Anonymous said...

I could relate to this law at times, since I do have commitment issues (hahaha). Anyway, though one could work more efficiently alone at times, I think it's better if you commit to at least one thing. Commitment keeps you grounded, and having no commitments will leave you with no one to turn to when you would need help.


PC Magnaye
Hi18-K

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