Rules, rules, rules—they’ve surrounded us since childhood. From kindergarten through school, and then into our working lives, it seems like we’re always told what to do. Let’s face it: not many of us love rules. But what about those weird and bizarre ones you’ve probably never heard of?
Here are some truly odd and fascinating rules to shake things up a little:
1. Howard Hughes’ Obsessive Germ Rule
Back in 1928, millionaire Howard Hughes imposed a peculiar rule on his employees: anything he touched had to be handled with tissues to protect him from germs. As Hughes got older, his fear of germs spiraled out of control—he began living in sealed rooms, wore tissue boxes on his feet, and even stored jars filled with his own urine.
2. Mao: The Card Game With Only One Known Rule
Ever heard of the card game Mao? New players are told just one rule: “The only rule you may be told is this one.” Confused yet? Players have to figure out the other secret rules by observing gameplay. The goal is straightforward (or not)—be the first to discard all your cards without breaking any mysterious, unspoken rules.
3. Sorry, Dinosaurs Aren’t Kosher
If you’re planning a kosher meal and happen to travel back to the dinosaur era, researchers say you’d be out of luck. After analyzing traditional Jewish dietary laws, experts concluded most dinosaurs simply wouldn’t qualify as kosher, making them off-limits for time-traveling diners.
4. The Surprisingly Polite Rules of American Dueling
In early American history, dueling wasn’t just about firing pistols or waving swords—there were actually 25 formal etiquette rules. Insulting someone’s lady was a serious offense, prompting up to ten rules devoted purely to pre-duel banter, apologies, and, occasionally, even further insults.
5. Benjamin Franklin’s Life Governed by 13 Rules
When Benjamin Franklin was just 20, he created 13 personal virtues to guide his life. From “Temperance” (don’t overeat or drink too much) to “Humility” (be like Jesus and Socrates), Franklin meticulously aimed for self-improvement through these strict yet thoughtful personal guidelines.
6. Freddish: Mr. Rogers’ Gentle Rules for Kids
Beloved TV personality Mr. Rogers developed a special way of speaking called “Freddish” to ensure kids weren’t scared or confused by what they heard. This meticulous method involved nine thoughtful steps to carefully phrase ideas. For example, “It’s dangerous to play in the street” eventually evolved into the gentler: “Your favorite grown-ups can tell you where it is safe to play. It is important to try to listen to them, and listening is an important part of growing.”
7. Sharon Tate’s Barefoot Loophole
Actress Sharon Tate, much like her fictional portrayal in Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, genuinely enjoyed going barefoot around Los Angeles. When restaurants enforced the “No Shoes, No Service” rule, she cleverly placed rubber bands around her ankles, pretending she was wearing sandals, thus dodging the pesky shoe policy entirely.
So maybe next time you’re told to follow the rules, consider bending them just a bit—after all, life’s more interesting when we dare to break the mold.