--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: And in not learning the rules, I was…" description: "\"And in not learning the rules, I was free. I always say, you're either defined by the medium or you redefine the medium in terms of your needs.\" — Duan..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae4/duane-michals-10800_defined_and-in-not-learning-the-rules-i-was-free_234371.png" --- # And in not learning the rules, I was free. I always say… ![“And in not learning the rules, I was free. I always say, you're either defined by the medium or you redefine the medium in terms of your needs.” quote by Duane Michals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae4/duane-michals-10800_defined_and-in-not-learning-the-rules-i-was-free_234371.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae4/duane-michals-10800_defined_and-in-not-learning-the-rules-i-was-free_234371.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ae4/duane-michals-10800_defined_and-in-not-learning-the-rules-i-was-free_234371.png) > “And in not learning the rules, I was free. I always say, you're either defined by the medium or you redefine the medium in terms of your needs.” [Duane Michals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/duane-michals/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Freedom comes from rejecting imposed structures, allowing personal needs to shape the medium. **In simple terms:** Reject rules to be free and shape tools to fit you. Key Takeaway Embrace flexibility, reshape tools. Themes freedom creativity self‑definition Mood inspirational reflective Type philosophical artistic When to use this quote - artistic practice - digital design - education - personal branding Key Concepts agency medium theory personal autonomy Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance freedom with necessary constraints? - When should you adapt the medium versus the medium? A Different Perspective May limit usefulness without some structure. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [Sometimes you have to break the rules to free the heart.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/homer-simpson/sometimes-you-have-to-break-the-rules-to-free-the-heart/) [Homer Simpson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/homer-simpson/) > [A journalist gathers information for a media outlet that disseminates the information through a broadly defined 'medium' - including newspaper, nonfiction book, wire service,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-durbin/a-journalist-gathers-information-for-a-media-outlet-that-disseminates/) [Dick Durbin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-durbin/) > [I think we're struggling with trying to redefine various positions at this point in history. 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