yall should read these and give me your input

Opie Macleod wrote: Jedi teach the same thing. Why does the Code say, There is no passion; there is serenity? Because unbridled passion can easily blind one to proper decision-making. It is saying the same thing in a different way.

Passion can Blind. Temper Passion. Be Mindful of your passions. Have them, enjoy them, live them, but do not allow them to blind you. For Passion Rules Reason. Or Passion, yet Serenity. Or There is no passion; there is serenity. *shrugs*

Fair points. I read the word "rules" in the sense of "takes precedence over", and in the context of a maxim I'd usually interpret that as affirmative advice: "Prioritise passion!" I see I've probably misinterpreted it. Thanks for the exposition.

tzb wrote: No offence, and whilst I've not read the books, from that link these rules seem quite far from Jedi beliefs. In places they're closer to Sith beliefs, so far as I can see.

"Passion rules reason" for example... There is no passion; there is serenity.

Youd need to read the book to understand the context. The "rules" arent very good standing alone.

When he says "Passion rules reason" he means that when passion is involved it can overcome your ability to reason. Not that passion is preferable to reason.

They are fantastic books though. Ive read the series though several times over.




Edit - Opie beat me to it. Stop typing so fast people!!

its my favorite series

(( Its alright Brenna - You beat me this time around. ))

As stated, context is important. The Rules aren't really meant to be stand alones. And even in the fiction they are meant to be taught, often through experience rather than academic teaching. So context sets the understanding of the Rule. But yes.

People are Stupid is one of my favorites, but really doesn't come across as a Jedi teaching. Yet I think every Jedi would recognize the reality of it. What is the quote from Men In Black? "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals..."

One can gain from them. Just as one gains from Campbell. Or Bruce Lee. Or Watts. Or Lucas. But like all things a cursory look won't impart much knowledge or wisdom. Why can I easily answer your original view? Because I, like Veritas, have spent time contemplating them and how they fit with the Jedi lifestyle. Not something I personally recommend unless the quotes or books grab you. As I would not say the Tao te Ching is necessary to being and living as a Jedi, the same principle applies. Not necessary or needed, but if it speaks to you. If it helps your understanding of living as a Jedi than excellent and more power to you. But certainly not a need.

That was a good way of putting it. Props.

To just expand on what Brenna and Opie have said, each of the books in the series introduces another rule and the whole story within the book "shows" how that rule applies to life. So yeah, if you want a full understanding you'd need to read the series. Although, some of then are pretty self explanatory.

One of my favorites is the second rule, which I think states that the greatest harm can come from the best intentions or something along those lines. People always want to do what they feel is best in every situation, especially things they feel passionate about, but what they see as the right thing and what the best thing might be is not always the same.