To promise not to do a thing is the surest way in the world to make a body want to go and do that very thing.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Promising not to do something often makes the desire to do it stronger.
- In plain terms
- Saying you won’t do something can make you want it more.
- What can you take from it?
- Be aware that denial can increase temptation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why does forbidding something make it more appealing?
- When can a promise help rather than hinder?
Another view
Not all prohibitions have this effect; some people comply without increased desire.
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