What is required is not forbidden.

Posted by Kate on June 20, 2004

also, ... "What is sanctioned is mandatory."

These two phrses have turned up in a conversation. I have searched for their sources a bit.

All I have found so far is that "what is not required is forbidden" may have Prussian origins ... while a contrrasting phrase, which is more permissive in meaning has English origins.

I am currently wondering whether they have a source in a specific philosopher or a holy book ...

• Sounds like Rube 23/June/04
  • Sounds like Flyguy 23/June/04
    • Off the wall? Rube 24/June/04
• "What is not required is forbidden" (correction!) Kate 20/June/04
  • An answer .... Kate 20/June/04