Introduction:
A. G. Gardiner is one of the most delightful essayists of the modern times. In this essay ‘On the Rule of the Road’ he points out what constitutes true liberty. He speaks of the limits of one’s liberty. He gives enough guidelines to enjoy and experience liberty with its own limits. It makes the readers realize what liberty really means.

A stout old lady:
A stout old lady was walking with her basket down the middle of a street. She was asked to walk on the pavement. The old lady said that she had liberty to walk wherever she liked.

Rule of the road:
The rules and regulations of the road to be followed by anyone while making use of road. A road is a public place meant for all sorts of people. Everyone must behave in such a way that others are not affected in any way. When an individual liberty exceeds its limits, it will affect other’s liberty.

What is liberty?
Liberty does not mean total freedom. Liberty is not a personal affair but a social contract. Liberty is a social Contract It is an accommodation of interests. We can eat what we live. We can dress as we please. In a democracy a citizen is free to fellow any religion of his choice. Our individual liberty should not affect the liberty of others.

A reasonable person:
A reasonable person would not allow his actions to cause inconvenience to others. He does not smoke in a public place. He does not listen to music without the aid of headphones. He does not use his mobile phone in the midst of a gathering. He can drink as he likes. He can dye his hair as he pleases. Our neighbours have right Is study or sleep in peace. Our noise should not affect the liberty of our neighbours. We should use decent language in common places.

Conclusion:
Small act of Kindness can make life’s journey a pleasant one. Liberty is an adjustment of interests. We have to preserve both the individual liberty and social liberty. It is important to know the rights and feelings of others. It is the foundation of social conduct.

Too much of anything is good for nothing..