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Constrain Quotes

Constrain quotes here explore restriction from several angles: sanctions meant to constrain governments but that end up constraining activists too, buildings designed purely on scientific principles that constrain occupants' creativity, and the youthful fear that commitment and family might constrain personal freedom. An older line even ties self-restraint at the table to honor and benefit. Together they treat constraint as both imposed and self-chosen.

These constrain quotes explore restriction in policy, architecture, and personal freedom. For more on rules and limits, see our Behavior collection.

In our youths, many of us suspected that being tied down to a partner and family might constrain us. But after 40, even that landscape starts to shift. Many singletons turn inward and start longing for the things so many...

Quotes by Sandra Tsing Loh

And as far as possible for sickness or fatigue, constrain yourself to eat in the hall before your people, for this shall bring great benefit and honour to you.

Quotes by Robert Grosseteste

Buildings designed exclusively on scientific principles will depress their occupants and constrain their creativity.

Quotes by Robert Evans

While sanctions against Iran and Syria are intended to constrain those countries' governments, they have had the unfortunate side effect of constraining activists' access to free online software and services used widely across the Middle East, including browsers, online chat...

Quotes by Rebecca MacKinnon

Against Quotes

War - An act of violence whose object is to constrain the enemy, to accomplish our will.

Quotes by George Washington

If your souls were not immortal, and you in danger of losing them, I would not thus speak unto you; but the love of your souls constrains me to speak: methinks this would constrain me to speak unto you forever.

Quotes by George Whitefield

You could not have evolved a complex system like a city or an organism - with an enormous number of components - without the emergence of laws that constrain their behavior in order for them to be resilient.

Quotes by Geoffrey West

It vexes me when they would constrain science by the authority of the Scriptures, and yet do not consider themselves bound to answer reason and experiment.

Quotes by Galileo Galilei

Frequently Asked Questions

What different kinds of constraint appear in these quotes?
The quotes cover personal constraint, like the fear that commitment and family might limit freedom, alongside institutional constraint, such as sanctions meant to limit a government's actions. There's also architectural constraint, where buildings designed purely on scientific principles end up limiting occupants' creativity. Together they show constraint operating at personal, political, and physical levels.
What is the unintended effect of sanctions described in these quotes?
One quote explains that sanctions against Iran and Syria, intended to constrain those governments, ended up also restricting activists' access to free online software and tools. This highlights how policies meant to limit one group can unintentionally limit others caught in the same system. For more on authority and its limits, see our Authority collection.
How does the quote about buildings connect design to creativity?
It argues that buildings designed exclusively around scientific principles can end up depressing occupants and constraining their creativity, suggesting that pure functionality isn't enough. The quote makes a case for design that considers human experience alongside efficiency. It's one of the more unexpected uses of 'constrain' in the set.
What does the older quote about eating in the hall suggest?
It advises constraining oneself to eat with others in the hall, even when sick or tired, framing self-restraint as something that brings honor and benefit. This reflects an older, more formal sense of constraint as a deliberate, respectful choice rather than something imposed from outside. It adds historical depth to the collection.
Where can I find more quotes about behavior and limits?
Our Behavior collection explores related themes of restraint and self-control. You might also enjoy Buildings for more on how design shapes daily life. Both pair naturally with the constrain quotes found here.

A few lines here show how constraints meant for one group can unintentionally limit others. Explore more in our Authority and Buildings pages.