"You can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be led"

This quote by Stan Laurel is a funny method of saying that you can't force someone to do something they do not wish to do. The phrase "lead a horse to water" is a metaphor for trying to convince somebody to do something, but ultimately they have to decide on their own. The expression "lead a pencil" is a funny way of stating that it is difficult to make someone do something they don't wish to do. It is a tip that no matter how difficult you try, you can't make somebody do something they do not want to do. This quote is a pointer that we should respect other people's decisions and not try to force them to do something they do not want to do. It is also a reminder that we should be client and understanding when it pertains to assisting others make choices. Ultimately, we need to appreciate the decisions that individuals make and not attempt to require them to do something they don't wish to do.