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About this quote

What does it mean?
People want what is forbidden and flee what is forced.
In plain terms
Forbidden things are desired; forced things are avoided.
What can you take from it?
Desire increases with restriction.

Where it applies

  • parenting
  • marketing
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • avoid over-restriction
  • understand desire
  • balance freedom

Questions to consider

  • Why do forbidden things appeal?
  • How do you handle restrictions?

Another view

Not all forbidden things are desired or desirable.

More from Geoffrey Chaucer

  1. The gretteste clerkes been noght wisest men.

    Permalink to quote #36
  2. Allas! allas! that evere love was synne!

    Permalink to quote #38
  3. Men sholde wedden after hir estat, For youthe and elde is often at debat.

    Permalink to quote #35

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