Every day, we inevitably have to deal with some “old guard”—people with a bit more seniority (not necessarily referring to age). Most of us, before retirement, have to live in a world where the rules of the game are set by the old guard.

How do you navigate such a world? Here’s one reference, not advice—please don’t imitate.

In 1934, the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America introduced the most stringent set of film production rules in history—the Hays Code. The code was intended to raise the moral standards of audiences.

“Prohibit nudity, suggestive content, and lustful kisses on screen. Prohibit depictions of religion, drugs, interracial romance, and revenge plots.”

Just as intended, the code promoted the development of the Hollywood film industry… in a different form.

Before long, Hollywood directors discovered that these strict prohibitions could help them sell tickets, as long as they cleverly evaded the letter of the rules.

The facts proved that audiences did, in fact, still love watching naughty things. The young guns of Hollywood, caught between compliance and defiance, chose to skirt the edges.

Observe its letter and violate its spirit as much as possible.

Comply with the rules in form, and deviate from their spirit as much as possible.

This is a philosophy of compromise with reality, yet not entirely a compromise.

Paramount photographer Whitey Schafer shot a large satirical photograph (the header image for this post) titled “Thou Shalt Not,” depicting “The Ten Things a Producer Must Absolutely Never Do”—and then depicted all ten things within the frame.

• Law Defeated
• Inside of Thigh
• Lace Lingerie
• Dead Man
• Narcotics
• Drinking
• Exposed Bosom
• Gambling
• Pointing Gun
• Tommy Gun

Years later, Hollywood scrapped these regulations, replacing them with a more relaxed film rating system. The photo became a classic work of art satirizing that era.

Returning to the original question: in a world where the old guard sets the rules, how do you take care of yourself?

The answer is: play an infinite game (?).

Finite games are played within boundaries. Infinite games are played with boundaries.