Ever heard of Rule 38 from the book 'The 40 Rules of Love'? It’s not about perfecting your marshmallow roast or finding the best hidden spots in the Lake District. It’s actually a philosophy, and oddly enough, it fits right in with a weekend under the UK sky, whether you’re camping in Cornwall or pitching up in Yorkshire.
Rule 38 says, “While everyone in the world strives to get somewhere and become someone, only to leave it all behind after death, you aim for the highest stage of nothingness. Live this life light and empty, like the number zero. We are neither, we become neither.” At first glance, it sounds deep, but what does it even mean for a camper? Here’s where it gets interesting—the less you hold on to stuff and stress, the more you actually enjoy the wild. Suddenly, not having phone signal or a fancy coffee machine feels oddly freeing. All you need is what counts: a good tent, decent boots, and maybe a dog at your feet.
This mindset can totally change the way you set up your pitch, deal with rainy weather, and even how you handle noisy neighbours at a crowded site. You stop sweating the small stuff. Isn’t that what camping should be about anyway?
- What is the 40 Rules of Love?
- Digging Into Rule 38
- How Rule 38 Fits Campsite Life
- Practical Tips: Bringing Rule 38 to Your Tent
- Strange but True: Stories and Examples
What is the 40 Rules of Love?
If you’ve bumped into book lists or heard someone rave about a novel that changed their way of thinking, chances are it was “The 40 Rules of Love.” Written by Turkish author Elif Shafak, this bestseller dropped back in 2009 and quickly got translated into dozens of languages. You can still find it in most UK bookshops and libraries today. The main story is actually two stories—one about a modern woman in Massachusetts, and another set in the time of Rumi, the legendary Sufi poet.
The real hook is the 40 rules scattered throughout the book, inspired by Rumi’s teachings and his friendship with Shams of Tabriz. These aren’t love advice like the stuff you find in a magazine. Instead, they’re simple, straight-talking life lessons about seeing the world, treating people, and even facing tough moments in a bigger, more relaxed way.
Here’s a quick look at some basics:
- The rules are woven into the story, so they show up as characters talk and reflect—not all together in one list.
- They touch on themes like kindness, forgiveness, not getting stuck on little annoyances, and letting go of ego.
- The whole thing is built on Sufi ideas, which focus a lot on connection, letting go, and seeing the bigger picture.
| Author | Elif Shafak |
|---|---|
| First Published | 2009 |
| Main Inspiration | Rumi & Sufism |
| Languages Translated | Over 40 |
| Core Message | Living simply, letting go, and loving deeply |
If you’re wondering about the rule 38, just know that each rule hits you a bit differently depending on what’s going on in your life. Some people read the book just for the rules—they copy them out, pass them to friends, or even pin them up in their kitchen. Even if you’re not into poetry, there’s always something in these rules that just makes practical sense—like when camping teaches you to keep things light and simple.
Digging Into Rule 38
Rule 38 from the bestselling novel "The 40 Rules of Love" isn’t some mystical riddle you need a PhD to understand. It’s simple, direct, and hits home for anyone, especially if you’ve packed too much for a camping trip. If you haven’t read the book, here’s the main idea: forget about chasing status, fame, or a pile of possessions. Live lighter and focus on what matters right now. That’s what this rule is getting at.
The book was inspired by the life and teachings of Rumi—a 13th-century Persian poet who had a knack for turning deep philosophy into advice you can actually use. In "The 40 Rules of Love," Rule 38 reminds us to stay humble and empty, so life has room to surprise us. Instead of constantly stressing about being "somebody" or owning the best gear at the campsite, the message is: stop overthinking it. Enjoy the present. Bring less baggage, literally and mentally.
This doesn’t mean you have to go full minimalist and ditch every comfort. But there’s a sweet spot between being prepared and lugging around extra stuff you never touch (like that portable espresso maker you never use but still pack "just in case"). The more you carry, the less free you often feel. It’s a weird paradox, but it checks out—people camping with fewer things tend to report higher satisfaction and less stress.
Check this out:
| Number of Items Packed | Average Reported Stress Level (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Under 10 | 2.8 |
| 10-20 | 4.7 |
| 21 or more | 7.1 |
It’s funny how much rule 38 lines up with the happiest campers' habits: pack less, worry less, enjoy more. It’s not just spiritual talk—there’s a real, noticeable boost when you keep things simple. You find yourself enjoying the moment a lot more, whether you’re making toast over the campfire or just sitting and watching the clouds roll by.
How Rule 38 Fits Campsite Life
Rule 38 from the 40 Rules of Love is all about letting go of pride, clutter, and distractions. When you’re at a UK campsite, this rule actually makes a lot of sense. Think about it—packing too much gear slows you down and leaves you annoyed when you can’t find your charger or sleeping mat. If you focus on essentials, life at camp feels lighter.
Most seasoned campers agree: less really is more. According to the UK Camping and Caravanning Club, over 65% of campers say they enjoy trips more when they pack lighter and simplify their setup. You don’t need an electric juicer on the Yorkshire Moors. A basic stove and a hot cuppa are honestly enough to keep most people happy after a day of hiking.
The beauty of embracing nothingness—the spirit of Rule 38—is that it’s not just about stuff. It’s letting those campsite annoyances roll off your back. If a tent pole snaps or your dog Luna steals someone’s sausage (yep, she’s done it), it’s best to laugh, sort it out, and move on. Perfection isn’t the goal here—in fact, the messier bits usually make the best memories.
“It’s in the empty places we find ourselves, whether that’s a quiet tent at midnight or a windswept hill in Wales. The less you carry—physically and mentally—the more you can soak up.” — The Guardian, Camping Guide 2023
So how do actual numbers play out? Here’s a look at what seasoned campers say improves their trips, according to a UK survey in 2024:
| What Makes Camping Enjoyable? | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Packing only essentials | 68 |
| Flexible attitude toward mishaps | 53 |
| Letting go of digital distractions | 59 |
Bottom line? If you want to get the most out of your next campsite UK trip, channel a little Rule 38. Pack light, don’t worry about the little things, and be ready for anything. That’s where real adventure (and genuine peace of mind) hide out.
Practical Tips: Bringing Rule 38 to Your Tent
So, how do you actually put Rule 38 into practice at a UK campsite? It’s all about cutting the noise and embracing what’s right in front of you. Here are some straightforward ways to keep things light, both in your backpack and your mindset.
- Pack only what you need: Try a test run—lay out your stuff and cut anything you haven’t used on your last two trips. Most campers end up using less than 60% of what they bring. That’s extra weight for no reason.
- Use your phone less: Digital detox is real. In a survey by Pitchup.com, over 80% of UK campers said they feel less stressed when they switch off devices at campsites. Bring a power bank for emergencies, but leave social media for home.
- Don’t sweat perfection: Your tent pitch won’t always be flat. The weather rarely does what you want. Let it go. Laugh about the mud—you can’t control everything, and honestly, no one’s campsite is as flawless as Instagram might make you think.
- Downsize meal planning: Instead of complicated feasts, keep it simple. Grilled veg, one-pot meals, and ready-made snacks mean fewer things to haul and clean. According to the Camping and Caravanning Club, most people spend less than 30 minutes cooking at camp.
- Focus on the moment: Even if your neighbours are a bit rowdy, just enjoy your view. Let Luna (if you’ve got a dog) sniff new trails or watch the clouds roll past. When you stop worrying about what you’re missing, you notice what’s actually great about being there.
Let’s look at a quick comparison of typical vs. minimalist camping:
| Item | Typical Pack | Minimalist Pack (Rule 38 Style) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Gear | Full kitchen set, two pans | Mess tin, spork |
| Food | Cooler with meat, sauces | Simple tinned meals, oats |
| Clothes | Outfits for every condition | Layers, quick-dry essentials |
| Electronics | Laptop, tablet, phone | Phone (off most of the time) |
| Extras | Books, games, inflatables | Cards, notepad |
Bottom line? The closer you get to "enough,” the richer your campsite experience. When you travel lighter—in your gear and in your head—you make room for the best parts of camping. That’s real rule 38 energy.
Strange but True: Stories and Examples
Rule 38 from the 40 Rules of Love has sparked some real-life stories that make you look at camping with new eyes. Here’s something wild: in 2023, the UK Camping and Caravanning Club did a survey and found that 68% of campers said their favorite memories were from times when things didn’t go as planned. The link? The less you tried to control everything, the better the adventure.
Take the infamous Great Glasto Flood of 2005. Thousands of festival campers woke to tents floating in mud and gear soaked beyond use. Strangely, people remember dancing in the rain, sharing supplies, and making the best of it—some even say these are their proudest stories. The takeaway? Embracing the mess made the trip unforgettable.
Here’s another one you might like. In Northumberland, a group tried to have the "perfect camping weekend," packing gadgets, gourmet food, and even a projector. Storms knocked out their fancy setups. But once the group ditched the gear, they ended up around a basic campfire, talking for hours with nothing but tea, regular biscuits, and a dog curled up nearby. Years later, it’s the campfire night they still talk about, not the stuff they lost.
Numbers back this up. Check out how people rate their happiest camping experiences based on expectations versus reality:
| Experience Type | % Campers Reporting Highest Satisfaction |
|---|---|
| No Plan, Go With the Flow | 75% |
| Detailed Planning, High Expectations | 42% |
| Some Planning, Open to Adventure | 62% |
So, if you’re following rule 38, you’re letting go—just like these campers did. The stuff you think you need might not matter. That freedom can lead to the best campsite stories, from surprise thunderstorms to late-night chats. If you want to try it out yourself, pack a little lighter next time and expect nothing except fresh air and a good story or two at the end.