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About this quote

What does it mean?
Disobedience has driven major advances throughout history, making it a fundamental human virtue.
In plain terms
Breaking rules often leads to progress.
What can you take from it?
Question authority when it blocks improvement.

Where it applies

  • social movements
  • scientific breakthroughs

Putting it to work

  • advocating reform
  • challenging unjust laws

Questions to consider

  • When is disobedience justified?
  • How can we balance order and innovation?

Another view

Disobedience can also cause chaos if not guided by clear purpose.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. Now don't stir. I'll be back in five minutes. And don't fall into any temptations while I am away.

    Permalink to quote #193
  2. A map of the world that does not include Utopia is not worth even glancing at, for it leaves out the one country at which Humanity is always landing.

    Permalink to quote #195
  3. I don't at all like knowing what people say of me behind my back. It makes me far too conceited.

    Permalink to quote #192

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