Anarchism is a belief in no law, authority, or government. It portrays perfect freedom and happiness as being free from all law and rule. Anarchy is not a state of perfect happiness, however. Instead, it is a condition of total chaos. Good laws are blessings that safeguard basic freedoms. Refer back to the example from Judges in the opening pages of this chapter, when' 'every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Did the condition in Israel portray happiness or chaos?

"Just leave me alone!" sixteen-year-old Jack exclaimed. "Everyone is trying to tell me how to put my life together - my parents, relatives, teachers, minister. I just want to do it myself, in my own way. I just want to do my own thing. Is there anything wrong with that? It's my life, isn't it?"

Jack's principal thought for a moment before responding, "Jack, you worked for a construction company last summer, didn't you?"

"Yes, for an electrical company," he replied, somewhat puzzled at this response.

"Suppose, for a moment, that your boss gave you several directions, a detailed blueprint, some rolls of costly wire, and several expensive appliances to install. Suppose you responded and said, 'Why doesn't he just leave me alone! I just want to put this together myself - to do it my own way; to do my own thing. It's my job, isn't it? There's nothing wrong with this - after all, they're my wire and appliances; my boss gave them to me.' "