Centuries have past, and through proper change, men have understood the basic principles of how to live off the land. A key word in the previous sentence would be “centuries”, pertaining to the time it took for certain change to be accepted. It does take time for people to get accustomed to certain rituals and beliefs. It would be difficult to take people out of their comfort zone and impose a new set of beliefs, especially if the change trying to be made is rooted in tradition or has been practiced for long periods of time. To solve this problem and make the transition much simpler, the changes should be introduced in a way that does not seem that far off from what is already accepted. This can be done by altering the appearance of the change into something that observes past protocol, while giving it in acceptable dosages. Different forms of revolt can be avoided, if the measures mentioned are followed.
In the early 1500’s, King Henry VIII of England decided that he wanted to re-marry since his current wife, Catherine of Aragon, was not able to bear him a son. The Catholic Church strongly opposed his plans of divorce, and threatened to excommunicate him if he did. Thomas Cromwell was able to aid him in finding a way to re-marry. He suggested that the king severe his ties with the Roman Catholic Church, and make himself the head of his own church in England, so that he could freely marry anyone he pleased. The abrupt change, which was a clear break from the past, caused much turmoil. People revolted, forcing the king to reinstate Catholic sacraments and old rituals.
Where King Henry VIII failed in trying to evoke change, Mao Tse-tung succeeded. By sugar coating his revolution and observing past protocol, he was able to successfully establish communism in China. He was able to do this, even if some of his methods were unethical. The secret was in making his poison look sweet. The Ateneo was able to impose a dress code which students have grown accustomed to. They based their change on the student handbook, which is in a way part of tradition. Students actually realized that the dress code was not that difficult to comply with, for it was only enforced in certain areas of the school. Since the school did not go all the way in imposing a school wide dress code, the students saw it as a reasonable form of change, and minimized major revolts. Why do people dread change so much? Is leaving their comfort zone that difficult to do, especially when the change is possibly beneficial?
Paolo Banaga
Hi18-L
36 comments:
I like this law very much because it reminds me of the current President-Elect of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama. He campaigned with the tagline: Change is all we need, and it stuck. That's one line I'll never forget and it really left its mark on millions of Americans. The similarity of Barack Obama in promoting change is similar to Mao Tseng Tung and the Ateneo because he was able to base his theories on the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr., who is a huge icon for African Americans.
People are afraid of change because they are afraid of something they are not used to. It is about time to start getting used to change... because it really is all we need.
Gianina R. Fortun
Hi18 - K
there will always be a need for change. it's just when that change is ignited. people in politics always promised changed. i'm sure Erap promised change, Marcos promised change and i'm pretty sure the other presidents also promised change but it is how that change is applied, executed and properly promulgated to the people. we must always not that time is essential when change happens.
It's good that you pointed out the dress code imposed in the Ateneo. Change goes hand in hand with adaptability. It cannot be abrupt. Time and the willingness to adapt play a key role in change, since it takes time for people to adjust to a new habit, a new law, a new environment, etc.
Personally, I would dread going through changes most of the time. A new mathematical formula, having no choice but to cram for 2 major papers in 1 week, taking 3 exams in one day, waking up earlier than I normally would in the morning, getting to a class in Bel from Sec-C. These are changes that students like us dread to name a few. But through time, one's mind conditions oneself to accept that change as part of one's daily routine, eventually turning it into an unnoticeable part of one's day. :) And yes, leaving one's comfort zone IS hard to do, simply because one has yet to start from scratch on adapting to another environment/behavior/habit. :)
Chua Rojas, Serica
HI 18 - L
Funny how Philippine Politics came to mind... we all understand that there is a need for change yet the people and the administration can't even agree on anything; either because they really just don't like the ideas of the other or just that they don't understand the consequences of these actions (or be too suspicious).
Example:
Charter Change - Love the rallies that came from that possible change... Suspicions pointed the change as a move by Gloria to extend her reign as the head of the country while others either agree with the change but is against Gloria (including myself), or don't even know what Cha-Cha is...
Change is necessary; especially if an existing system doesn't work. The problem is the "non-observance" of the law, meaning the country is changing existing systems in one go...
Jame N. Say
Hi18-K
change is difficult because there's always a possibility that we cannot adapt to the change, it threatens survival and, at the same time, allows us to become more adept at surviving.
the key concept in this law is eventuality, i think -- changing slowly so that we don't become overwhelmed by the situations.
but change doesn't always mean development. we are familiar with Devolution, degradation. but, judging from where we're headed and where we are, is development always a good thing? and is change subject to questions bound to morality or does morality enter only with the way we deal with change ?
kyra ballesteros hi18 K
In reply to Kyra: I really like the questions you presented. I agree that change may be equally harmful as it is beneficial. A lot of errors may be made in attempting to make a change, but I personally believe that subjecting change to probable errors which may lead to underdevelopment can help. Something like, learning from your mistakes to make better decisions for change in the future.
Change and its association with morality is actually a little complicated to discuss. It is very interesting though. Sometimes, moral and ethical values compliment or contradict certain changes that are trying to be made. Nevertheless, arguments concerning morality can be highly subjective, so even if someone may see it as complimentary, another may see it as something harmful or ineffective.
to Paolo:
i understand your point about mistakes (as changes) and building on your mistakes. i also think that the nature of change isn't in complete accordance with this law. Because there will never be a time that isn't ripe for change and once You have initiated change, then there is always a need for change, for further development. The view that this law takes on change implicates JUST THE CHANGE YOU INCITE but what happens after you change? You need to change again, you need another leader, another visionary.
There can never be one person fully empowered because change is always necessary.
i might be over-thinking, tho. :)
kyra ballesteros hi18K
In addition to what I've already said, I want to give another example. Change must be slow in order to be progressive, and the thought of haggling with our folks about our curfews can also be good examples of this. Perhaps a lot of our parents would start allowing us to go out with our friends at night, but they start those off with 10-12 o'clock curfews. When we have proven ourselves to be "obedient children", they would slowly extend those hours, now giving us permission to stay overnight at a friend's house, embarking on road trips etc. Change is not an overnight process. It shall take sometime to prove its worth. :)
Chua Rojas, Serica
HI 18 - L
Do you think Akhenaten would've faired better had he observed this law?
Happy Birthday Paolo!
Changing and moving on from something you have grown accustomed to does dread people because it gives uncertainty. It is very difficult to be comfortable in ambiguous situations because of the thought of defeat, failure and disappointment. Then why have that change? Change is inevitable. The big risk in submitting to a change is unavoidable. I guess it’s just a matter of knowing the reason and the motive behind the change. If we focus on that, then I guess we’re motivated to push through with the risk, though it may mean leaving our comfort zones.
Mara Liboro
Hi18 - K
i think that people are most afraid of change in places wherein the promise of a better change has failed them dreadfully before. Besides, as long as things change slowly, people are better able to swallow and enjoy these new changes.
monica ang L
A good way of preaching change is doing the past-and-present comparison method. Same to your concept of "past protocol," showing the people a comparison between then and today makes them realize how bad the past is making them in need for a better system in the present. Consequently, that's the time you apply changes. It's the time where they are vulnerable enough to every so-called "better changes" you want to apply.
Mikail Lambino
Hi18 - L
In reply to Ms. Jalandoni: Personally, I believe that if Akhenaten observed this law during his 17 year reign, he would have faired better. The Egyptians were very traditional, and this particular trait could easily be seen in their rich culture, which hasn't changed for centuries back then. Examples of them not changing could be seen in their art and religion. For art they followed strict proportions, as for religion, the believed in many gods and goddesses, such as Isis and Ra, making them polytheistic.
Akhenaten didn't observe this law. He changed their religion abruptly, from polytheism to monotheism, he changed his name from Amenhotep IV to Akhenaten (names we're very important to the Egyptians back then), and he changed their form of art. All these changes we're abrupt.
It was said that immediately after his death, all the changes he made were destroyed, and things were set back to the way they used to be. It was supposedly a time of religious and artistic reformation. Had he observed this law, the Egyptians would have implemented all that he taught even after his death, and his ideology and infrastructures would have lived on.
He probably wouldn't have been given the title of the "heretic Pharaoh", had he observed this law. If he presented his religion in a way that wouldn't shock his followers, then maybe they wouldn't have called him a heretic.
sources: http://www.egyptologyonline.com/akhenaten1.htm
Thank you for the greeting ma'am!!! :D
Paolo Banaga
Hi 18 L
i think that people are afraid of change because they may not have a clear idea of what to expect. they do not know for certain what lies ahead and they do not have total grasp of things. change can go both ways, so there is a risk involved. people like sticking to their comfort zones because this is an aspect of their life that they are used to. they are familiar and comfortable in their comfort zones and in here, they have control over things. there is a sureness in comfort zones.
change is important because is allows people to progress and advance in life. times change and it is important for us to adapt in order to survive. we must continue discovering things that will work well for us and that will make our lives easier. i guess that for change to be effective and accepted by people, it must be GRADUAL. you don't want to immediately introduce something totally new and different to the people because this might shock them, which can lead to them not accepting change anymore. you mentioned something about centuries. see, change should really be gradual and not rushed. you want to introduce new things but at the same time, keep some of the old stuff. you want your people to be comfortable with the change that they are undergoing.
i totally agree with ms. jalandoni in wondering if akhenaten would have done better had he followed this law. i think his reign would have been better if he followed this law because in that way, he would implement change gradually. i remember how he drastically introduced monotheism to his people. it was sudden that not all his people readily or fully accepted this.
-Philip Albert T. Verde
Hi18 K
To reply to Ms. Jalandoni's question: I actually believe that it wouldn't matter if Akhenaten applied the law. The ancient Egyptians never liked changed, and I think this is what made their civilization last for a long time. Change is risky. In the case of Akhenaten, it was like he tried to uproot a thousand year-old tree and place it into new ground himself. Yes, he failed because he tried to impose change too suddenly, but considering the ancient Egyptian culture, I don't think it would've made any difference had he done otherwise.
I do, however, like Akhenaten. I just think that it was a matter of wrong timing-- his mindset was far too advanced for his time.
That said, I do think that the law cannot apply to some cases. As with the case of Ateneo's dress code--I don't think that gradually introducing the dress code would have made it better-received. Wouldn't you be annoyed if they imposed: "Okay, for June, slippers won't be allowed. Come July, slippers and short skirts. August, slippers, short skirts, and jersey shorts." Then, would have it made much difference? The bottom line is that they're going to introduce a dress code. It seems absurd to introduce reform gradually in this case.
Chio Cebrero
Hi 18 L
In reply to Chio:
I would like to clarify your making use of the Ateneo dress code in finding exception to the 45th law of power. The point of the law is to implement change gradually in the sense that change won't be abrupt and drastic. In the case of the Ateneo dress code--the change was not abrupt because time was given for dialogue between the student body and faculty; and it even took one to two months for the dress code to be official. The change was not drastic, since people could still wear slippers, shorts, etc. in a good portion of Ateneo; this did not go far from what the people had gotten used to.
The example I gave focused on localization of the dress code. There can be several ways to apply the 45th law practically. Some are better than others.
"Students actually realized that the dress code was not that difficult to comply with, for it was only ENFORCED IN CERTAIN AREAS of the school. Since the school DID NOT go all the way in IMPOSING A SCHOOL WIDE DRESS CODE, the students saw it as a reasonable form of change"
Thank you for raising a good point. I do agree that incremental implementation of the dress code the way you put it does sound absurd.
Paolo Banaga
Hi 18 L
I think the point here is to end up, after a revolution, as the one in power. In the book it says that those who start a revolution seldom are the ones that finish it. Knowing the right time to pull the trigger is essential in maneuvering through the political storm and eventually making your way to the top. Say that we need a revolution and let other people start it. Cooperate, and when the time comes for someone to step in to finish it, you step in and claim the top position.
Denis Flores
Hi 18K
to Denis: I get your point, but I think you're straying a little far from this law in particular. Your interpretation seems more like "keep your hands clean" or something about letting other people take the fall for you. I think this law is in essence the Akhenaten thing: change, but do it slowly. No ruler should be naive enough to think that a giant overhaul can possibly go smoothly. getting that many people to abandon an old norm and go for a new one is IMPOSSIBLE. always build on something, something old. it's ironic how change is inevitable and yet so hard to bring about. anyway, what denis was pointing out was the word "preach", which adds a whole sinister tone to this law. stand aside and get others to believe in somehting, and let them do the work for you. akhenaten should have preached a little (ie. brainwashed people) before suddenly declaring a new religion.
Du, L
I guess people are afraid of change mostly because it deviates from the norms,which people have become accustomed to. It sends off a sensation of unfamiliarity that doesn't assure people of security or of a positive outcome.
I can assertively say though that change can be a good thing. Gianina said her piece about Obama very well. Obama's words indeed left a mark on millions of Americans. It is an indicator of something great for the whole of America.
Monica Copuyoc
Hi18- L
Change I agree will never happen at once. It's a gradual process from leaving one aspect of your life to another. We must admit that most of the time people are stubborn enough to get off-track with what is familiar to them. It's part of their lives and at that has already been incorporated into who they really are as a person. When all of sudden you alter something in them, you have destroyed them as a whole. People need much time to get a grip of themselves again.
Rhea Entuna
section L
The only permanent thing in this world is change. And according to Jose Marie Chan, "Life Is A Constant Change" hahaha! And it is true. Things change everyday just like what the philosopher Zeno said that, "You can never step into the same river twice" --because it changes from day to day, maybe there's less water or more stones, etc.
There is nothing bad with change. That is why I dont understand why people go to rallies against Charter Change. In their minds things will abruptly change, and they cant handle such changes with a snap of a finger. That's why I agree with Pao that change should come gradually and with a certain compromise.
Laurine Fabul, L
Gradual change is the formula, I guess. People need time to get used to certain norms and associate them with other norms they're familiar with. Sometimes this can be used as a tool for propaganda, but other times it's really just the way things are in society, and a good leader should be aware of that.
Peep Warren
Hi18-L
I think changes keep people going. Mundane life wouldn't interest anyone. I belive that the attitude of accepting changes in good way is really recommendable. I think chnages do us good although it might be a little bit hard to adapt to the changes at first. If changes are ways to improve, I think changing things, one by one, will not give us hard times. Of course, as the law says, we should not be greedy and reform much at once, because doing so would not make any of those succeed.
Yu Chin Hong
Hi18-K
it IS hard to make people accept or deal with too much change, since it takes time to come to terms with change, but, when necessary, people will go with it anyway because it is in their best interest to do so.
kristina tan hi18 k
I agree that people find it hard to accept change…
But just in reply to the post, I don’t think people dread change. It’s just a little inconvenient to live with something they’re not used to, so when change comes, they revolt. Sometimes, people do dread changes; some just don’t like them, and others might say they are not ready for it and decide to be against the change.
That’s why the law says to first preach the need for change. This is just like what Obama did with his “yes, we can” campaign. People must be convinced a change is necessary so they will support it. They must be told beforehand about the change so they can prepare themselves for it, not like what Henry VIII did. And when the right time comes for the change, make changes that are not major. By major, I mean, things that deviate so much from what people are used to. Humans have a thing for their roots so a person better not mess with it. Do minor changes. Little by little does the job. For example, regarding the dress code, they might just be following this law and decided to impose it on some school areas only. I won’t be surprised if a few years from now, the dress code will be school-wide. (At least maybe I won’t be here anymore when that comes to happen…^_^)
Chris Macalinao
Hi18 – L
I do not completely agree with this law. I agree with Gia. Barack Obama won exactly because of his promise of change. This is a change that the people have been waiting for for ages. I believe that sometimes, an overhaul is exactly what is needed. Especially when it comes to environmental concerns. When we speak of our environment, we no longer have the luxury of gradually changing. "Not only is it the 11th hour, it's 11:59" (The 11th Hour, a documentary by Leonardo Dicaprio) People are now realizing the immediate need for change, which is probably why they feel so strongly about Obama's platform- what gave him the rise to power.
Elise Noelle Anne Lim
Hi18 Section L
In reply to Chris:
But wouldn't that slight inconvenience be a small sign of dread as well? Overall, your post actually embodies the essential aspects of this law. Your insight on the Ateneo dress code being school wide is indeed a possibility, and may as well be the schools strategy of trying to implement (that's a BIG maybe though) it. Like you said, lucky for us, we're no longer here if they do implement it. Hehe.
Paolo Banaga
Hi 18-L
In the kind of world we live in presently, i definitely agree there are a lot of changes that have to be made. This, however must be done in concentration. It takes people time to adjust. Some may need a lot. Also, others may not always agree with what you want. It's too risky to keep acting without taking them into consideration. I'm sure you yourself would find it hard to be compelled to leave your comfort zone especially when it's done by force. I guess slowly but surely is the best way to handle it. You wouldn't want them to be more unsatisfied than they are now.
Krizia Javate
Hi18K
In reply to Krizia:
Yup! Slowly but surely is the way to go. In preaching the need for change it, I can't stress enough, how important it is to make change in gradual increments to make it something that would be easily accepted in society.
Paolo Banaga
Hi 18-L
I do agree with Gia when she says that change is often needed to progress. However, it is important for us to realize that sudden change could be very negative towards once audience. Leaders have fallen due to the fact that they opted for change and practiced their power too fast leading the people to revolt against them. Progression is the key to ultimate success and power. Change is inevitable, it is only a question of how fast we change things and is it for the better.
Richard Hahn
L
I've always believed that change is good. Starting with something new yet cultivating the past is a great learning experience. I agree that a person's comfort zone is the reason why most people have problems with change. Change comes hand in hand with uncertainty. What if in the end, it is not what you wanted? Or it turned out the worst? Change is very much beneficial if it is done to get what one wants given on your example. However, change does not always reflect one's own liking, not because one has to leave the comfort zone, but because the outcome of change is not favorable. Slowly but surely, that would probably be effective,
Czarina Kathryne Masagca
Hi18-L
to kyra: Ah, but if you make yourself the leader you get overthrown by the next one. if you make yourself the preacher in the background, you can outlive all the leaders and eventually take power (am i making sense?) change is inevitable, yes, but it takes time. and people resist it by nature. so, in the knowledge that change will come about eventually, you have to know how to make people accept your change. and don't panic when it doesn't happen right away. that's where change being inevitable comes in.
-Nikka Du, L
you can't outlive all the leaders because there will always be a leader and it's true that change is inevitable -- that is the very essence of this law. we agree that we must make people accept change but we cannot do that WITHOUT changing.
kyra ballesteros hi18K
As they say, the only thing permanent in life is change. I agree with this law so much. The only problem with it is the term "preach". Yeah, for sure so many leaders have already preached their hearts out, but how many actually acted upon it? That's the thing; never reform too much at once, but you still have to reform SOMETHING. Change is inevitable, and it's usually a good thing, as long as it comes gradually.
Sam Bautista
Hi18-K
Yes, preaching the need for change is good, but applying everything all at once could be overwhelming to the people. Change must be gradual in order to work. So when a politician promises to change something, one must be patient to actually feel its effects on the people.
PC Magnaye
Hi18-K
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