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About this quote

What does it mean?
Understand the rules fully before deciding how to bend or break them.
In plain terms
Know the rules well so you can break them correctly.
What can you take from it?
Master foundations before innovating.

Where it applies

  • artistic expression
  • scientific research
  • business strategy

Putting it to work

  • study fundamentals
  • innovate responsibly
  • critique systems

Questions to consider

  • What rules do I know well?
  • Why do I want to break this rule?

Another view

Some rules exist for safety and should never be broken.

More from Tenzin Gyatso (Dalai Lama)

  1. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

    Permalink to quote #82

  2. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

    Permalink to quote #84

  3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.

    Permalink to quote #81

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  1. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

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