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About this quote

What does it mean?
Absence of prohibition does not imply moral permission.
In plain terms
Just because something is not forbidden does not mean it is right.
What can you take from it?
Do not assume legality equals morality.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • personal choices
  • compliance

Putting it to work

  • reflect on implied rules
  • distinguish law from ethics
  • use discretion

Questions to consider

  • Where do you draw the line on permission?
  • Is unforbidden always acceptable?

Another view

In many systems unforbidden acts are effectively permitted.

More from Friedrich von Schiller

  1. Life is earnest, art is gay.

    Permalink to quote #58
  2. What is the short meaning of the long speech?

    Permalink to quote #60
  3. He who has done his best for his own time has lived for all times.

    Permalink to quote #57

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