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About this quote

What does it mean?
A sarcastic take on overregulation or overreaction to actions.
In plain terms
People try to stop things even though everyone does too much anyway.
What can you take from it?
Restrictions often ignore the reality of human excess.

Where it applies

  • policy
  • social norms
  • self-reflection

Putting it to work

  • question restrictions
  • recognize excess
  • avoid overreach

Questions to consider

  • Is stopping someone ever useful?
  • How much do we overdo things?

Another view

Some actions do need stopping regardless of frequency.

More from A. P. Herbert

  1. As my poor father used to say In 1863, Once people start on all this Art Goodbye, moralitee!

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  2. Nobody's wrong but England - and England's always wrong, Too late - or else too early - too soft - or else too strong. And when for once the wide world begins …

    Permalink to quote #6
  3. Don't let's go to the dogs tonight, For mother will be there.

    Permalink to quote #3

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