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About this quote

What does it mean?
Do not attempt to ban things you cannot enforce.
In plain terms
Only forbid what you can stop.
What can you take from it?
Enforce only what is possible.

Where it applies

  • policy making
  • rule enforcement

Putting it to work

  • setting regulations
  • managing expectations

Questions to consider

  • Why make rules you cannot enforce?
  • When is symbolism enough?

Another view

Some rules exist to signal values even if unenforceable.

More from Napoleon Bonaparte

  1. One must change one's tactics every ten years if one wishes to maintain one's superiority.

    Permalink to quote #134
  2. Passionate people invariably deny their anger, and cowards often boast their ignorance of fear.

    Permalink to quote #136
  3. Now we are in a fix. Peace has been declared.

    Permalink to quote #133

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