When Immanuel Kant said, "Ought implies can," he meant that without freedom there could be no morality.

Kant believed that in order for moral responsibility to exist, individuals must have the ability to choose their actions freely. Without freedom, individuals cannot be held accountable for their actions and there can be no basis for moral judgment. Therefore, "ought implies can" means that the moral obligation to do something can only exist if one has the freedom and ability to do it.