The Rules of the Game

Introduction

Nine years ago, while completing my undergraduate studies at UCLA, I wrote a term paper entitled, "The Game: an Evaluation of Urban Values and Ethics." This led me down a journey of self understanding. Eventually, I would author a body of writings that became in 2005 the foundation for the Saints & Goddesses Social Club, a mutually beneficial sororal and fraternal organization.

I cannot take credit for these rules as my own. They have existed for thousands of years, and most rational people would take them as common sense; but as the great Voltaire so eloquently put it, "common sense is not so common."

I have found that violating these rules has always personally led me to be worse off. And I have observed people whom I care about who violate these rules exist in a self-made hell of resentment and self destruction. Those who habitually violate these rules are ostracized from social groups. I have had to cut numerous people whom I still have love for because they could not play fair.

On the other hand, following these rules has provided me with a meaningful and fruitful life thus far. I have cultivated life-long friendships and I have enjoyed pleasures which some folks only fantasize about.

In the Saints & Goddesses Social Club, we promote a healthy pursuite of Money, Honey and the Holy. We believe in playing clean.


THE RULES OF THE GAME – by Santos de Los Angeles of the SAINTS & GODDESSES SOCIAL CLUB


Rule No. 22
Whatever you do good or bad, will return to you 3 times over. What goes around comes around.

Rule No. 21
If it hurts noone, including yourself, do as you will.

Rule No. 20
As Player Saints and Player Goddesses, our Love is unconditional, constant and pure. Business and intimate matters may be bound by conditions, but not the love we have for one another. Our love does not depend on money or sex, space or time. Love can never be created or destroyed; it only changes forms.

Rule No. 19
Our word is bond and we don't break it. Therefore we don't make promises we can't keep.

Rule No. 18
We don't chase 'em we replace 'em. We don't cast our pearls before swine. We know how to let go and move on.

Rule No. 17
We are straight up from the beginning. Rules and terms are agreed upon before a Game begins. No misunderstandings, no wrong expectations, & and no flipping the script.

Rule No. 16
We believe in Fair Exchange. We are bound by favors to one another. A favor for a favor. If you take care of me, then I'll take care of you.

Rule No. 15
Money before Honey. Business before Pleasure. We work hard and play hard.

Rule No. 14
We never hate, we congratulate. We give credit where credit is due. Give props to Players on the come up.

Rule No. 13
Freedom is our right. We are free to choose and free to change our minds. Free from the judgement of other's opinions.

Rule No. 12
We don't take things personal or make assumptions.

Rule No. 11
We don't hold grudges, but we keep records. We forgive, but we don't forget. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Once respect or trust is violated, it's a long road back.

Rule No. 10
We have love, we show love, we are in love, we make love, but we don't FALL in love. We recognize a difference between True Love and Toxic Love. True Love bears good fruit, makes us better people, healthier, happier. Toxic Love is infatuation, obsessive, dependent, inspires fear and insecurity, hurts you emotionally, spiritually, and financially.

Rule No. 9
We SHARE our gifts, especially our knowledge with less experienced players.

Rule No. 8
We don't resort to violence, except in self-defense or in defense of others.

Rule No. 7
We resolve our differences with class & in a private and discreet manner.

Rule No. 6
We never throw salt in anyone's game.

Rule No. 5
We control our emotions. No drama.

Rule No. 4
The Law of Silence. See no evil, hear no evil speak no evil. We don't advertize private or personal matters, and we never speak another player's name in vain.

Rule No. 3
TRUST should never be compromised. Trust is the thing that binds us to one another. It means you are worth your weight in gold.

Rule No. 2
RESPECT. There are lines that should never be crossed. Personal, private, and public life is kept seperate and sacred.

Rule No. 1
On which all other rules of the Game are based on is: We only spread love, we never hate in any way.