QuoteProject
Rules are mostly made to be broken and are too often for the lazy to hide behind.
Douglas Macarthur
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Rules can be restrictive and may serve as excuses for inaction.

This quote by Douglas MacArthur suggests that rules, while they serve a purpose, can also be a means for individuals to avoid taking responsibility or to refrain from thinking for themselves. It emphasizes the idea that creativity and progress often require bending or breaking conventional rules, and those who hide behind them may lack the initiative to pursue greatness.

Themes

RulesCreativityInnovationResponsibilityAction

In practice

Example use cases

During a team meeting, to inspire innovation while brainstorming new ideas.

More from Douglas Macarthur

I believe that the entire effort of modern society should be concentrated on the endeavor to outlaw war as a method of the solution of problems between nations.
Douglas MacarthurRead
In my dreams I hear again the crash of guns, the rattle of musketry, the strange, mournful mutter of the battlefield.
Douglas MacarthurRead
Worry, doubt, fear and despair are the enemies which slowly bring us down to the ground and turn us to dust before we die.
Douglas MacarthurRead
We are not retreating - we are advancing in another direction.
Douglas MacarthurRead
A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.
Douglas MacarthurRead
No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.
Douglas MacarthurRead

Similar quotes

American dog say, 'Woof, woof.' Korean dog say, 'Mung, mung.' Polish dog say, 'How, how.' So which dog barking is correct? That is human beings' barking, not 'dog' barking. If dog and you become one hundred percent one, then you know sound of barking. This is Zen teaching. Boom! Become one.
Seung SahnRead
History is the fruit of power, but power itself is never so transparent that its analysis becomes superfluous. The ultimate mark of power may be its invisibility; the ultimate challenge, the exposition of its roots.
Michel-Rolph TrouillotRead
If it had been possible to build the Tower of Babel without climbing it, it would have been permitted.
Franz KafkaRead
She asked me what made me do such a thing. That is an awkward question because I often can't tell what makes me do things. Sometimes I do them just to find out what I feel like doing them. And sometimes I do them because I want to have some exciting things to tell my grandchildren.
Lucy Maud MontgomeryRead
Free press is not absolute. In this country, we say clearly if you start stirring up racial hatred, then we will put a stop to it. We might even close down your paper, because these things can only lead to a lot of riots and bloodshed.
Mahathir MohamadRead
There is only one class in the community that thinks more about money than the rich, and that is the poor. The poor can think of nothing else.
Oscar WildeRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Douglas Macarthur | QuoteProject