That adage applies in most areas of the country. But in the Southwest, too much light and heat is deadly to many plants, for at least 6 months of the year. Some will grow all year in a north-facing garden. Some will do well in a patio with walls that cut off the Sun for much of the day. So even a maxim that sounds perfect may need to be rethought when filtered by geography.
Even so, I like your 'permaculture principle.'