One day you will be called upon to break a big law in the name of justice and rationality. Everything will depend on it. You have to be ready. How are you going to prepare for that day when it really matters? You have to stay in shape so that when the big day comes you will be ready. What you need is anarchist calisthenics. Every day or so break some trivial law that makes no sense, even if it's only jaywalking. Use your own head to judge whether a law is just or reasonable. That way, you'll keep trim; and when the big day comes, you'll be ready.

One day you will be called upon to break a big law in the name of justice and rationality. Everything will depend on it. You have to be ready. How are you going to prepare for that day when it really matters? You have to stay in shape so that when the big day comes you will be ready. What you need is anarchist calisthenics. Every day or so break some trivial law that makes no sense, even if it's only jaywalking. Use your own head to judge whether a law is just or reasonable. That way, you'll keep trim; and when the big day comes, you'll be ready.

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This quote presents a provocative approach to readiness and moral judgment, emphasizing the importance of individual discernment and resistance to authority. It advocates for a kind of mental and moral exercise—'anarchist calisthenics'—where one deliberately challenges trivial or unjust laws to build the capacity to question authority and act according to personal judgment when it truly matters. The idea suggests that social conformity can dull critical thinking and moral courage, and that by engaging in small acts of defiance, individuals cultivate resilience and independence, preparing themselves for imminent or critical moments where allegiance to social norms may conflict with justice. The analogy of physical training highlights that mental and moral discipline requires daily practice, not just sporadic effort. While this encourages critical engagement with authority, it also prompts reflection on the limits of individual discretion and the importance of ethical boundaries. The quote invites us to think about the nature of laws, justice, and personal responsibility—questioning whether laws are inherently just and whether conforming to them uncritically serves justice or hinders moral clarity. The concept of testing laws in small ways can be empowering but also dangerous if misapplied. It underscores the importance of cultivating one's judgment and moral independence to be prepared for moments that demand extraordinary resolve and ethical strength. Overall, it serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, skeptical, and morally autonomous even in seemingly trivial ways, so that in critical moments, our actions are grounded in a well-developed capacity for moral discernment.

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July 10, 2025

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