--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is an unwavering rule for those in…" description: "\"“It is an unwavering rule for those in power that, when it comes to heads, it is best to cut them off before they start thinking, afterwards, it might ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/jos-saramago-208_too-late_it-is-an-unwavering-rule-for-those-in-po_2985388.jpg" --- # It is an unwavering rule for those in power that, when it… ![“It is an unwavering rule for those in power that, when it comes to heads, it is best to cut them off before they start thinking, afterwards, it might be too late.” quote by José Saramago](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/jos-saramago-208_too-late_it-is-an-unwavering-rule-for-those-in-po_2985388.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/jos-saramago-208_too-late_it-is-an-unwavering-rule-for-those-in-po_2985388.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df9/jos-saramago-208_too-late_it-is-an-unwavering-rule-for-those-in-po_2985388.jpg) > ““It is an unwavering rule for those in power that, when it comes to heads, it is best to cut them off before they start thinking, afterwards, it might be too late.”” [José Saramago](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jos-saramago/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Those in power fear independent thought; they suppress it early to avoid losing control. **In simple terms:** Power cuts off thinking early. Key Takeaway Guard free thought. Themes politics power control thought freedom Mood cautious serious Type philosophical warning When to use this quote - education - policy making - activism Key Concepts authoritarianism censorship psychology of power Questions to Reflect On - How can societies protect independent thought? - What are early signs of suppression? 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