One should never forbid what one lacks the power to prevent.
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
Putting it to work
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
One must change one's tactics every ten years if one wishes to maintain one's superiority.
Permalink to quote #134 Passionate people invariably deny their anger, and cowards often boast their ignorance of fear.
Permalink to quote #136 Now we are in a fix. Peace has been declared.
Permalink to quote #133
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