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I'll never forget what a Catholic priest told me; he said…

“I'll never forget what a Catholic priest told me; he said, "If you try to padlock the door, you have to give people an alternative path - an alternative, safer path. You can't padlock, and you shouldn't padlock a burning building."” quote by Jeh Johnson
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“I'll never forget what a Catholic priest told me; he said, "If you try to padlock the door, you have to give people an alternative path - an alternative, safer path. You can't padlock, and you shouldn't padlock a burning building."”

Jeh Johnson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The priest advises that restricting access (padlocking) without providing alternatives can be dangerous; instead, offer safe alternatives when limiting options.

In simple terms: Don't block paths without safe alternatives.

Key Takeaway

Provide alternatives when limiting access.

Themes

ethics leadership problem solving

Mood

considerate pragmatic

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • security policies
  • emergency planning
  • community leadership

Key Concepts

risk management human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it acceptable to restrict access?
  • How can we ensure alternatives are truly safe?
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