---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To focus on discipline is to ignore the…"
description: "\"To focus on discipline is to ignore the real problem: We will never be able to get students (or anyone else) to be in good order if, day after day, we ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/562/william-glasser-10297_able_to-focus-on-discipline-is-to-ignore-the_1387996.jpg"
---

#  To focus on discipline is to ignore the real problem: We…

![“To focus on discipline is to ignore the real problem: We will never be able to get students (or anyone else) to be in good order if, day after day, we try to force them to do what they do not find satisfying.” quote by William Glasser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/562/william-glasser-10297_able_to-focus-on-discipline-is-to-ignore-the_1387996.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/562/william-glasser-10297_able_to-focus-on-discipline-is-to-ignore-the_1387996.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/562/william-glasser-10297_able_to-focus-on-discipline-is-to-ignore-the_1387996.jpg)

> “To focus on discipline is to ignore the real problem: We will never be able to get students (or anyone else) to be in good order if, day after day, we try to force them to do what they do not find satisfying.”

[William Glasser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-glasser/)

## About This Quote

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

Discipline alone cannot motivate; people need intrinsic satisfaction to maintain order.

**In simple terms:** Discipline without satisfaction fails.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate intrinsic motivation.

Themes

motivation discipline education

Mood

frustrated hopeful

Type

advice reflective

When to use this quote

- classroom management
- parenting
- workplace leadership

Key Concepts

Self-determination theory intrinsic motivation

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you foster intrinsic interest?
- What activities naturally satisfy learners?

A Different Perspective

People may resist external control despite discipline.

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