This quote suggests that the principles or rules that individuals set for themselves can eventually become burdensome and overpower their best intentions. It implies that when people create strict guidelines for their behavior, they may end up limiting their potential or obstructing their original goals. The principles, initially meant to guide and enhance their actions, could become restrictive chains that stifle their growth or impede their progress.

It’s like setting a high standard for oneself out of noble intentions, but as time goes by, these standards become so rigid and uncompromising that they overwhelm the very nobility they were meant to uphold. The person becomes so focused on adhering to the principles that they lose sight of the bigger picture. The principles become an end in themselves, rather than a means to an end.

In today’s world, this quote can be applied in various contexts. For instance, in the realm of personal development, individuals often set goals and principles to improve themselves. However, if they become too rigid or obsessed with these principles, they may end up stifering their growth. For example, someone might decide to follow a strict diet in the name of health. But if they become overly strict, they might develop an unhealthy relationship with food, which is counterproductive to their original intention of being healthy.

In the context of societal norms, laws and regulations are created for the betterment of society. However, when these laws become too rigid or are not updated to reflect the changing times, they can cause more harm than good. They can prevent progress and stifle innovation, rather than promoting justice and well-being.

In conclusion, while principles are necessary for guidance and structure, it is crucial to ensure that they remain flexible and adaptable to the changing circumstances. They should serve us, not the other way around.