"L'illégal, nous le faisons immédiatement. L'inconstitutionnel prend un peu plus de temps."

This quote boils down to the idea that some actions, even if they aren't strictly allowed or break small rules, can be done quickly, while actions that go against the very foundation of the law or constitution take more time to navigate. It's about the different levels of difficulty and time involved in bending or breaking rules.

The historical context of this quote is pretty interesting—it’s often attributed to Henry Kissinger, a significant figure in American history, especially during the 1970s. Kissinger was the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor during the Nixon and Ford administrations. This era was ripe with controversial decisions, some of which skirted the edges of legality. This quote reflects the pragmatic, sometimes morally ambiguous approach to governance and diplomacy during tumultuous times.

To see this in action, imagine a town facing an urgent crisis—say, a natural disaster. Getting supplies and aid to people quickly might involve bending a few rules, like commandeering private property. Those rules are "illegal" in a sense, but when people’s lives are on the line, such actions are taken immediately because the harm of waiting is greater. On the other hand, changing a law that affects fundamental rights or altering the constitution to prevent future disasters is a drawn-out process. This requires debates, approvals, and maybe even a public vote. It’s a lot more complicated and slower because it digs deeper into the core principles that govern society.

So, how can you apply this nugget of wisdom in your daily life? Think about prioritizing actions based on urgency and impact. In a work scenario, if you need to get something done fast even if it bends a minor rule (like skipping a small protocol), it might be worth it for the greater good of the project. However, when it comes to more significant changes—like altering company policy—you need to be prepared for a longer, more involved process.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Imagine you’re the captain of a soccer team. It’s the finals, and your star player forgot their jersey at home. The rulebook says no player can be on the field without the official team jersey. Now, you could break this minor rule and let the player wear an unmarked shirt just for the game. Sure, it’s against the rules, but it means you have a better chance of winning. On the other hand, if you want to change the rule to allow for such exceptions in the future, you'd have to go through meetings with the league, get votes, and possibly face resistance. It’s a bigger deal and takes time.

In essence, this quote is a reminder that not all rules are created equal. Some can be bent for immediate needs, while others are the bedrock of our systems and require careful consideration and time to change. So next time you face a dilemma, think about whether it’s an immediate need or a fundamental change. That will help you determine the best course of action.