Jackie Krawczak

Sometimes I wish we lived in a society without laws. Of course, I know that’s an impossible dream. It’s even a bit scary to imagine. Even if we all wanted what’s best for humanity, we’d still disagree on what “best” means. For instance, I might think driving at any speed I want is fine, while others would point to research showing that deadly accidents rise sharply past certain speeds.

That’s why laws exist. Here’s my edited wish based on the unrealistic nature of the first one: I wish laws would stick to being the bare minimum — and that people chose to do better on their own.

Recently, my sister and I talked about food. We both try to eat healthy — she’s more disciplined than I am — but we know the basics: processed foods aren’t great, certain chemicals allowed in our food aren’t ideal, and “approved for human consumption” doesn’t necessarily mean “healthy.”

Today, we have more information and resources on nutrition than ever before. Yet many still choose medication over dietary changes that could prevent or reverse health problems. Many still load up on junk food.

Why? Is it easier to stay uninformed and blame someone else when we get sick? Is it because changing our diets feels too hard? Or is medication simply the easier, faster path?

We’ve become a society that relies on others — often the government — to tell us what’s good for us. It’s as if we believe our government representatives are experts on every subject.

If we truly cared about our health, we’d go beyond the minimum requirements. We’d cut out junk food even if it’s legal. We’d invest in our own retirement rather than hoping Social Security will cover it. We’d live within our means instead of drowning in debt. We would adopt sustainable habits for the good of the environment without waiting for laws to force our hand.

We’d also take the time to raise our children to have respect, work ethic, and responsibility –without relying on schools or society to raise them for us. If we weren’t sure what’s the best way to go about raising children, we would be eager to learn, compare parenting styles and figure it out.

Of course, it’s easier said than done. We will never fully agree on what is “healthy” or “right.” But I believe we share more common ground than we think, and that common ground should be our starting point for any discussion.

I want to live in a place where people take responsibility for their health, happiness, and future — while also caring for each other. Where they research, think critically, and make conscious decisions instead of blindly following the rules.

I try not to let it bother me when people depend on government to dictate their lives. But it makes me sad and frustrated. What saddens me is seeing those who don’t want to take personal responsibility at all. I often find myself thinking — sometimes even saying — “Use your independent brain! The ability to reason and think through things is a gift we were given so let’s not waste it.”

Those who don’t engage in high levels of personal responsibility are missing out on something wonderful: the joy and freedom that comes with owning our choices, caring for others, and building a life that exceeds the basic standards the law requires.

Jackie Krawczak is president of Jackie Krawczak LLC. Her column runs every three weeks on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on X @jkrawczak.