I believe that this rule helps us thrive because it is taking about different life lessons. For example,In chapter 7 of Bud, Not Buddy, Bud goes to the library to ask Miss Hill for some help. Miss Hill was the librarian that Bud knew back when his mother was alive. She was very helpful then, and Bud assumes that she will be helpful again. Bud shows up to the library and is surprised when he can't find Miss Hill. Bud then asks for Miss Hill. The new librarian responds with a shocked "Miss Hill? My goodness, hadn't you heard?" Bud immediately assumes the worst, which is evidenced by his rule number 16. He goes on to explain a bit more of his rule in the following paragraph. It seems like the answer to "Haven't you heard" always has something to do with someone kicking the bucket. And not kicking the bucket in a calm, peaceful way like a heart attack at home in bed either, it usually is some kind of dying that will make your eyes buck out of your head when you hear about it, it's usually the kind of thing that will run you out of a room with your hands over your ears and your mouth wide open. It's clear that Bud has gotten used to hearing bad news after hearing the "haven't you heard" phrase. Fortunately for Bud, the news is not bad this time. Miss Hill is not at the library any more, because she got married and moved to Chicago. She laughed again and said, "Good, because I don't think her new husband would appreciate the competition. Chariemae ………. Miss Hill is currently living in Chicago, Illinois." I said, "Husband? You mean she got married, ma'am?" The librarian said, "Oh, yes, and I must tell you, she was radiating happiness."