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50 Genius People Who Beat The System By Following The Rules (New Pics)
Imagine a world without any rules. It’s pretty hard to do, right? It’s possible that human beings as a species simply can’t exist without hierarchies and structure and deciding how long one’s lunch break should be. Civilization as a whole wouldn’t exist without ideas and behaviors we can all agree on.
However, some rules seem unjust, unfair, and all-around oppressive. That’s why folks try to bend them without breaking them, and Bored Panda has collected the most clever and creative ways how people beat the system by following the rules to the letter. It’s some truly amazing inspiration for all of you Pandas who might feel too restricted, whether it’s at work or elsewhere. And it’s rock-solid proof that you don’t necessarily need to resort to anarchy to beat the system at its own game.
Remember to upvote your fave pics as you scroll down, and be sure to drop by the comment section to share your own stories about how you worked around unfair rules. Oh, and in case you need some more examples of how the rules are powerless against the human imagination, check out Bored Panda’s earlier two articles about it right here and over here.
Suzanne Degges-White, Licensed Counselor, Professor, and Chair at the Department of Counseling and Higher Education at Northern Illinois University, shared her insights about the importance of rules and structure in life with Bored Panda.
“While novelty is always enticing, for the most part, humans need structure and routine— especially as young kids and then mature adults. Structure gives us security and even though we may fight against it, we feel safe knowing that rules exist that keep us (and others) in bounds,” she explained to us.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Celebrating Pride Despite Our HOA Not Allowing Pride Flags. They Don’t Regulate Yard Lights Though, So... There’s Always A Loophole
According to Professor Degges-White, we might feel the urge to rebel when we become teenagers. However, this doesn’t change the fact that rules, as a whole, are vital to have.
“During adolescence, the urge to challenge parents takes hold, but without rules/expectations, we would feel adrift. While some of us will always try to bend the rules, break the rules, or challenge the rules, there is comfort in knowing that large-scale chaos isn't going to happen due to the rules that we may be fighting against,” she told Bored Panda.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that everyone has a different level of tolerance for following the rules. Some might embrace them to the fullest and have a difficult time living outside their routines. Meanwhile, others rebel against any and all rules (sometimes to the point of absurdity).
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#2
Old Lady At The Bank
That other Panda 2 years ago (edited)
My gran is reading over my shoulder and just said ‘do you have that lady’s number?’
#3
The HOA In My Friend’s Neighborhood Recently Threatened Her Neighbors With A Fine If They Didn’t Hide Their Trash Cans. This Is Their Solution
“There are some people who feel that any attempts to get them to ‘fall in line’ are unacceptable. I once worked with someone who would always turn in their reports late—whether it was late by a day or just a couple of minutes past the stated deadline, they were consistently going to buck the deadline,” Professor Degges-White revealed to Bored Panda.
“When asked why they behaved in this way, their response was that they were able to maintain control when they didn't follow the rules. For them, rules at work were something to be broken in order to satisfy their ‘control freak’ tendency,” she said.
“Others, though, use rules as ‘base level expectations’ and want to exceed those expectations and follow rules to a ‘t.’ They maintain their own sense of control by staying way inside of the rules—they take pride in this behavior.”.
#4
Unauthorized Protests Are Forbidden In Russia, So Artists In St. Petersburg Decided To Do Some Open-Air Practice
#5
Shorts Are Now Deemed "Inappropriate" For Retail Counter Workers At USPS. Skorts Are Still Ok
Trigender_Turtle she/they/he 2 years ago (edited)
Both of them are rocking those skirts! Edit: thanks you guys for the upvotes, this is the most I've ever gotten!
#6
My Wife Is A Teacher And Found This While Marking An Assessment
Whatever each individual’s tolerance for rules might be, society as a whole would fall apart without them.
“Everyone has a different view on rules/boundaries and it might be nature for some and nurture for others. However, on a larger scale, societies cannot function without clear rules and boundaries. Chaos and anarchy result—at any level—when rules fall by the wayside,” the professor told Bored Panda.
Having structure in your life can help you deal with stress. Strict schedules and routines can be very useful when the world seems unpredictable and your future looks uncertain. It’s something to fall back on. Something to rely on. It’s something to give you a sense of control when there’s chaos left, right, and center.
#7
He Saw Us Feeding The Ducks And Pretended To Be One
That other Panda 2 years ago
“Look at me! I’m a duck! Quack quack.. quack.. it’s pretty cold down here”
#8
My Mum Allowed Me To Put Any Flag On My Wardrobe Doors Except For The Pride Flag. So, 241 Flags Later
Tara Dawn 2 years ago
amelia? earhart? girlllllll, people been lookin for you!!
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echo liddle 2 years ago
cleverly hid a few other pride flags in there too (trans, nonbinary and asexual from what i can see)
Trigender_Turtle she/they/he 2 years ago (edited)
I see some pride flags tho... : Ignore me i just read other comments edit edit: i have been temporary suspended from commenting for calling someone out that said that i am messed up in the head for being who i am so im going to comment through edits: so many homophobic comments and slurs are being said, what the heck is wrong with people!
BakedKahuna 2 years ago
I only see one and also have not found Waldo yet 🤔
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Marilyn Russell 2 years ago
Why does she care so much? Even my 94 year-old grandmother said people should be able to love who they love.
Erin Kelley 2 years ago
I wish the mom wasn’t homophobic BUT this is really cool and excellent malicious compliance. Bravo.
Shannon LA 2 years ago
My daughter hangs hers where she wants. She's 16, as long as she's happy and a good person that's all I care about!
RoseTheMad 2 years ago
Saw this before and I just love how there's other pride flags hidden in there (Asexual, Nonbinary, Transgender, Intersex.. those are the ones I noticed). Sounds like OP's mother truly is ignorant. I'm sorry OP. At least you have this awesome display though! ;)
Ellie Giberson 2 years ago
Plants are asexual , not humans , other mammals , reptiles or amphibians !! The world is TRULY becoming a disturbing , disgusting place
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Christopher Cook 2 years ago
Why would your parent be against a pride flag? The mom is the problem here.
EP 2 years ago
I just bought my child a pride flag for pride month because she asked and it arrived the next day. I feel for the child who doesn’t get the same response.
2 years ago
there are some other lgbtq+ flags in there that aren't the pride flag :O beating the system doubly
Dog Thievery 101 2 years ago
i see those trans, ace, and nb flags hidden in there and i raise you one i'm so fvcking proud of you! ♥️
Samia Guled 2 years ago
Surprised to see the Somalian flag here! don't see it often on site alike this, but well done indeed!!
Michael Fuhry 2 years ago
Holy c**p, the official flag of the City of St. Louis! (Missouri, USA). Top row, number four from left. And the US states of TN, NM, and SC. Nice.
Cults Lol 2 years ago
The person snuck them in, and the mom probably doesn't know
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Carol Fiore-Schanerman 2 years ago
That's the best! United we stand, all for one and one for all.
Stephen Wilson 2 years ago
I use the Ubuntu (Linux) operating system on my computer, and I see you have a flag for Ubuntu in the red section. ... Thanks
Johanne Trudeau 2 years ago
My question to Mom is Why??? It won't change anything even if you stamp your feet and yell!!!
Geordie Girl 2 years ago
I'd expect them to know each flags country, and to learn about that country for being so smart! (Making them smarter). Lol
Louise Stange-Wahl 2 years ago
Good for you! I noticed our state flag of New Mexico (and it is the best state flag of all) in the middle of the yellow band! The symbol has sacred meaning to the Zia people. Four is a sacred number which symbolizes the Circle of Life: the four directions, the four times of day, the four stages of life, and the four seasons. The circle binds the four elements of four together. State-flag...025036.jpg 
Juliane Maxwell 2 years ago
This is the coolest, had to take some time to match them all up!? Awesome🤗🙋♀️
Daniel Mize 2 years ago
Bought my oldest his first pride flag on our first trip to a pride celebration...love your kids folks, it ain't that hard....
Nancy Kaminski 2 years ago
What about the IDGAS flag? As in I don't give a S###! So tired of dealing with this nonsense!
Note Shira 2 years ago
They said the mom didn't allow pride flags, but I see the non-binary flag on the bottom right
Lady Corvid 2 years ago
The mother (in her ignorance) probably doesn't know all of the flags and doesn't recognize them as being pride, because they aren't the rainbow
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Ashley Deane 2 years ago
What is going on? How and why are so many people banning the Pride flag?
Kelsie Marx 2 years ago
I hope your mom also realizes that all things are created equal, even the pride flag😉
Grace Smith 2 years ago
Hehehe I spy the Trans flag, Asexual flag aaand what I think is the non-binary flag?
Lindsey Judd-Bruder 2 years ago
Funny that the people here who are calling people idiots, are the same people who don't even know the correct way to use "your/you're". Who, exactly, is the idiot, again?? And good on OP. Smart person. Be yourself. No matter who or what that may mean. Be happy.
alec de cristofaro 2 years ago
the fact that there are the ace, non-binary etc flags in that lmao
William Broadbent 2 years ago
I hope you are a minor and not an adult still living with there mum . Great job very creative .
Melissa Konczal 2 years ago
Rock out! You found a way to work around it. As for the mom, hateful person.
Issac Mcgrew 2 years ago
Gay pride is stupid and has caused more people to be homophobic than they were before.
Chris Shaffer 2 years ago
Not true. She never told you that. Cool art, but why make up a fake story to go.with it.
StealTheFruit 2 years ago
Where would that go? Red? Blue? It doesn't work with the rainbow format.
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Aayush Kumar 2 years ago
You could have been more clever if you had skipped the flags of some countries which excute LGBTQ people!
Jen 2 years ago
Sadly it likely isnt. Proportionately the largest group at risk for homelessness is LGBT teens kicked out by parents for coming out. (And by that I mean compared to the total number of out LGBT teens not the total population or total homeless population)
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Linda Robinett 2 years ago
Why did your mom oppose the Gay Pride Flag but ws OK with other flags?
Ellie Giberson 2 years ago
Why wouldn't you want a Normal flag ? Or something pretty like a garden flag
StealTheFruit 2 years ago
so true, bestie, but it's pride month, so isn't that a compliment for us? ,':)
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StealTheFruit 2 years ago
Respect is earned. This parent doesn't respect their child as a human, so why should they respect their parent as an authority?
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#9
I Wasn't Allowed To Use A Notebook At My Cashier Job, So I Started Writing My Book About Bullying On Printed Out Receipts. This Year I Finally Published My Novel
In fact, a lack of structure can actually lead to more stress down the line. “If people don't have structure and are sitting around with less to focus on, then they also probably will find themselves thinking about the stressful situation more, which can also lead to additional stress and anxiety,” Rachel Goldman, Ph.D., told Very Well Mind
Besides lowering your stress levels, having a regular routine can help you form healthy habits, and make you feel more focused and productive. This can work both with self-imposed and outwardly-imposed routines. However, in some cases, we might not agree with all the rules in place. We might question the need for them or we might feel that the alternatives that we propose are far better.
This can lead to tension between those imposing and enforcing the rules, as well as those who are expected to abide by them. Let’s be frank, some workplace rules are truly bonkers, have no bearing to reality, or might be in place to stroke some managers’ egos. Meanwhile, others might be there for good reason (even if it’s not immediately apparent). It all comes down to good, effective leadership and whether or not bosses actually care about their employees. A good leader can create rules that make sense and benefit (nearly) everyone, not just the few.
#10
So The NYC Subway Has Banned Dogs Unless They 'Fit In A Bag'. New Yorkers Got Creative
#11
Belarus People React To Lukashenko's Prohibition Of Pro-Democratic Flags
#12
Five Words
Eddy Ng, the Smith Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Business at Queen’s University, told Bored Panda earlier that strong leaders in the workplace are those who are moral, principled, and choose to do the right thing. They stand in stark contrast to weak leaders who only do the things that make them popular and have a hard time making firm decisions: they flip-flop, they dither, they can’t make up their minds.
“The notion of servant leadership is gaining attention in the workplace. Although it is associated with many of the strong leadership traits such as empathy, selflessness, and humility, the focus is on the leader’s propensity to serve (or support) their followers. Servant leaders empower and lift up followers (employees) to motivate and fuel their passion,” the professor explained to Bored Panda.
#13
Good Boi Knows He's Not Allowed To Have Sticks Inside
#14
Czech Fans Were Forced To Take Down The Ukrainian Flag At The Championship. So They Found A Loophole
Šimon Špaček 2 years ago
On those flags it says "Go home Ivan" and "Natasha waits for you". Those are lines from pretty good song wrote to protest the invasion. Funny thing, in their clip the role of Ivan is played by Petr Novotny, who is major of one part of Prague and he is a huge pain in the a*s for Russians for a long time.
#15
Satellite Dishes Are Strictly Forbidden
“Employees can manage that relationship to have work satisfaction. In this instance, employees need to communicate what they need (tools) or work conditions (autonomy) in order for them to perform optimally when working with a controlling boss. Employees need to convey what they can and are able to perform,” he said that the principle of exchange is an important one in workplaces.
#16
When The Sign Says No Photography
#17
This Restaurant Is Only Allowed To Sell Beer If Someone Buys Food
#18
My Kindergartener Was Feeling Proud Of This Solution To Her Homework
However, it’s not just at work where we find rules to abide by. Whether we like it or not, we also adhere to certain limits at home, too. In healthy relationships, both partners make the rules together, communicate efficiently, and respect each other’s boundaries. However, in some relationships, one partner might hold too much power or someone might not be able to enforce the rules and boundaries that matter to them.
#19
Sandwich Only Sits With My Wife, But I Think I Found A Way To Beat The System
#20
Iranian Girl Cheers For Her Favourite Football Team From Behind The Fence As Iranian Women Aren't Allowed Into Stadiums
#21
Told This Guy I Only Date People 6 Feet Or Up And He Sent Me This
“In relationships and life in general, too much power can corrupt a person’s behavior. A man or a woman who is normally a very nice, caring, loving and understanding person, can sometimes become quite selfish, mean and unloving if given too much power in a romantic relationship,” Dan Bacon, a dating and relationship expert, told Bored Panda recently.
“Sometimes, a woman will be in a relationship with a man who says that he has boundaries, but then lets her defy those boundaries on a daily basis because he doesn’t know how to stand up to her in an assertive, loving, and effective way,” he explained that boundaries need to be enforced for them to matter.
#22
Cat Isn't Allowed On The Table, Found A Loophole To Still Be The Center Of Attention While We Eat
#23
I See No Issues Here
#24
I'm Not Sure That's What They Meant
“All he does is get upset, sulk and seek pity from her when she defies his boundaries, which she sees as weak, wimpy, and possibly even pathetic. This can then result in her losing respect for him, which can then make her feel as though his so-called ‘boundaries’ aren’t something that she needs to adhere to,” the expert pointed out that boundaries mean nothing if they’re only theoretical. Pleading, demanding, or trying to reason with someone will not get them to respect your boundaries.
“That kind of problematic outcome often happens when one person has way too much power in a relationship.”
#25
It’s 70’s Day And This Kid Is Dressing For The 1770’s
#26
It's Not Medicine, It's Pepsi
#27
That Wasn't An Option But Well Done Anyway
A healthy relationship means that the power dynamic isn’t skewed too far one way or the other.
“Having boundaries respected is not about a man being overly domineering or bossy and making his girlfriend or wife feel like she has no power or say. That is not loving or effective and it will create many relationship problems and most likely cause the relationship to end in a breakup,” he told us.
#28
He Is Not Allowed To Put His Paws On The Screen Door So This Is What He Does
#29
There's Always A Loophole
#30
Roxy Knows She's Allowed On The Barstool, And Not On The Counter. Roxy Also Likes To Test Her Limits
“A man needs to approach the relationship in a way where his girlfriend or wife feels respected, but also feels the need to respect him in return. If respect is only one way in the relationship, problematic behavior will naturally emerge and boundaries may be defied or disrespected by an otherwise nice, loving, and caring person.”
#31
Thought This Belongs Here
#32
If You Have A Stain On Your Shirt, Outline The Stain With A Pen And Give It A Name. This Will Make It Seem Like You Visited A Random Island
#33
I Was Doing Homework When I Did This
#34
My 9-Year-Old Cousin's Invention. I Think He Did Good
#35
Well Played, Sir
#36
My Fourth Grader’s Math Homework. She Said “This Way I Didn’t Even Need To Think About It”
#37
She's Not Allowed On The Couch
#38
Playing Outside
Auntriarch 2 years ago
Today's version of me sitting halfway up a tree reading, after having been told to stop reading in my room and go outside and play
#39
In The 1990s, A California Man, Steve Comisar, Began Putting Ads In National Magazines Selling "Solar Powered Dryers" For $49.95
Customers would then receive a simple clothesline in the mail.
#40
My Professor Asked For The Essay To Be In Times New Roman And A4 Size, He Didn't Say It Needed To Be On Paper Though
#41
He Didn't Say It
#42
Teacher Said We Are Allowed To Bring Single Side Paper For Notes During Final
#43
Very Fussy Chihuahua Will Only Eat If Another Dog Is Watching. Here’s Our Workaround While Our Other Dog Is Away
#44
He Knows He's Not Allowed On The Counter, But I Never Said Anything About The Lunchbox
#45
I Wasn’t Allowed To Play Much, So Usually I Woke Up Earlier Than Everyone And Played On The PS1 With The Sound On Mute For A Couple Of Hours. Until I Got Caught
TheNewJenBrady 2 years ago
Why is there a demon in the window thing on the far right? What is that?
#46
My Wife Is An English Teacher. She Gave This Student An A For This Assignment
#47
My Girlfriend Bet Me She Could Write Any Swear Word On My Calculator, I Bet Her $50 She Couldn’t
#48
Paris Marathon Was Cancelled So This Dude Ran Back And Forth On His 7 Meter Balcony For A Marathon Length
#49
My Friend Works As An English Teacher In Sweden
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Laugh or not 2 years ago
People smuggling alcohol in theaters or pools or wherever, can you seriously not enjoy your time there without drinking? That's more sad than smart.
censor 2 years ago
not really, as a serious introvert I can only face crowds of people if I am toasted. So, public swimming pool, party, sports event, etc. nope. Can't do it without alcohol. It's a thing.
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jessica r 2 years ago
Some of these are quite petty. Bringing a record player, seriously? Next on BP : why do schools and workplaces keep adding new rules, like we can’t just decide for ourselves what is normal behavior?
Alphabet Soupy 2 years ago
Some people NEED to break the rules, however small. I know a lady who’s so proud of her daughter for always doing what she wants, bending the rules, getting special treatment, and it’s so cringe. Of course they’re very inconsiderate of others too.
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Anita Rapp 2 years ago
My elementary-aged son was not allowed to stay up for night baseball games. Found him in his room listening to the call on the local radio station while watching the game with binoculars on the neighbor's TV.
Remedy 2 years ago
Calling any of these people geniuses is a pretty stupid thing to say. Some of them were mildly clever...
Michael ONeale 2 years ago
Wow I'm guessing your personality has your mailbox full of party invitations
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MaPanda 2 years ago
Some of these were just filler a few make absolutely no sense really a cloud so what, some are just nonsense.
Laugh or not 2 years ago
People smuggling alcohol in theaters or pools or wherever, can you seriously not enjoy your time there without drinking? That's more sad than smart.
censor 2 years ago
not really, as a serious introvert I can only face crowds of people if I am toasted. So, public swimming pool, party, sports event, etc. nope. Can't do it without alcohol. It's a thing.
Load More Replies... jessica r 2 years ago
Some of these are quite petty. Bringing a record player, seriously? Next on BP : why do schools and workplaces keep adding new rules, like we can’t just decide for ourselves what is normal behavior?
Alphabet Soupy 2 years ago
Some people NEED to break the rules, however small. I know a lady who’s so proud of her daughter for always doing what she wants, bending the rules, getting special treatment, and it’s so cringe. Of course they’re very inconsiderate of others too.
Load More Replies... Anita Rapp 2 years ago
My elementary-aged son was not allowed to stay up for night baseball games. Found him in his room listening to the call on the local radio station while watching the game with binoculars on the neighbor's TV.
Remedy 2 years ago
Calling any of these people geniuses is a pretty stupid thing to say. Some of them were mildly clever...
Michael ONeale 2 years ago
Wow I'm guessing your personality has your mailbox full of party invitations
Load More Replies... MaPanda 2 years ago
Some of these were just filler a few make absolutely no sense really a cloud so what, some are just nonsense.
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