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About this quote

What does it mean?
It states that following natural or societal laws brings success while breaking them leads to ruin.
In plain terms
Follow the rules to thrive, or face the consequences.
What can you take from it?
Adhere to established codes of conduct for survival.

Where it applies

  • governance
  • parenting
  • team leadership

Putting it to work

  • establish clear rules
  • enforce consequences

Questions to consider

  • What rules govern your life?
  • Are you willing to pay the price of breaking them?

Another view

Rigid adherence might prevent necessary adaptation to change.

More from Rudyard Kipling

  1. Brother, thy tail hangs down behind! This is the way of the Monkey-kind!

    Permalink to quote #41
  2. For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.

    Permalink to quote #43
  3. We be of one blood, ye and I.

    Permalink to quote #40

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