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Comment by rglullis | Hacker News Reader

> it would set an example

No, it wouldn't. This type of logic only holds if we consider that drivers are automatons who can not analyze risks by themselves. Give the drivers autonomy to judge whether it's safe or not to deviate from the scheduled route.

I rather have a driver signaling me "No, I will not open the door now because I don't think it is safe" over "No, I will not open the door now because I can't break the rules". It makes me think of the driver less as a person and more as a brainless cog.

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You not following rules makes me think less of you as a person. Rules are made so not everybody needs to judge every situation correctly themselves. People might overlook consequences or are not informed enough to make good decisions.

> Rules are made so not everybody needs to judge every situation correctly themselves.

Rules are not the problem. Trying to apply one set of rules to every context is.

> People might overlook consequences or are not informed enough to make good decisions.

That happens regardless, so much so that "I was just following orders" defense has been tried many times before and never became morally acceptable.

> Rules are not the problem. Trying to apply one set of rules to every context is.

Ah, so basically you want more rules. Granular and detailed rules. Maybe you are more German than Germans too?

> Ah, so basically you want more rules.

Cathy Newman, is that you?

On a more serious note, if you prefer more flexibility and wildness try Poland. Very culturally similar to Germany but with more lean towards common sense however it is understood in the moment by involved parties.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49166002

There is a problem though. Who sets the rules? Is it guaranteed that the rules are always sane, and for the benefit of society?

I think a baseline level of rebelliousness is necessary. I also think that the German cultural obsession to comply was necessary for the Nazi madness.

Nazis were saying "but we were just following orders" and for everyone else it sounded like a stupid excuse, but for Germans that's a strongly culturally rooted watertight argument. Event today. They just now ensured that their rules are better and orders are more thoughtful.

That said, I really love how Germany feels when you live there.

Likewise for you following them blindly.

You need to understand that Germany is not logical. It is systematic.

Oh, I understand it alright. But understanding it doesn't mean I like it.

After 13 years living in Berlin, I've come to terms with the fact that most aspects of German culture are things I need to tolerate, but never embrace.

> Give the drivers autonomy to judge whether it's safe or not to deviate from the scheduled route.

But they are judging it. And deciding it's not safe. You may not agree but it's their evaluation of their safety. The rules are good for them because they can ensure their safety by obeying the rules.

There is no "decision" being made if your flowchart always says "only stop at designed bus stops". "Judging" something presupposes the ability to override established rules and even reaching different conclusions despite similar precedents.

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