Fundamental Principle: Once something is let out, it cannot be put back in

If you are like me, you are trying to think of exceptions to the fundamental principle, once something is let out, it cannot be put back.

I mean surely if I let my dog out of the gate, and my dog returns I have put the dog back into the safety of my home. But is it the same dog? Has my dog not gained more knowledge – read all the faxes left against every tree? Become tired? Dirty? Thirsty? Hungry?

You are welcome to think of other examples that fall flat, once the principle is accepted.

What does this fundamental principle do for us? It is a starting point for getting to other expressions of human effectiveness.

Let’s take an example: Words matter. Is “Words Matter” a fundamental principle, or can it flow from the fundamental principle?

The fundamental principle that once something is let out, it cannot be put back, leads one to guard one’s words and actions, because words cannot be taken back – 0ops, that’s not what I meant. That was not my intention. . .

A casual word or act can break an important relationship. Even if the words could be withdrawn – putting the genie back into the bottle – damage is already done – the bottle now contains a new, different genie.