[kalonis]

Many of the comments relate this adage to situations where the rules explicitly prohibit some behaviour. I always assumed it is meant for situations where the rules are not settled yet or unclear. If I ask in such a situation for permission someone may forbid it. If I do it anyway I brake not only a rule but show that I do not accept my superiors authority. It would have been better to act in uncertainty about the rules. The result of my actions could vindicate my behaviour and help clarify the rules for the future. In the few situations were I offend someone I could still plead to ignorance.