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Since I cannot govern my own tongue, though within my own…

“Since I cannot govern my own tongue, though within my own teeth, how can I hope to govern the tongue of others?” quote by Benjamin Franklin
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“Since I cannot govern my own tongue, though within my own teeth, how can I hope to govern the tongue of others?”

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

If you cannot control your own speech, you cannot expect to control others’.

In simple terms: Self‑control precedes influencing others.

Key Takeaway

Master your own words first.

Themes

self‑discipline leadership communication

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

philosophical advisory

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • teaching
  • politics
  • parenting

Key Concepts

philosophy of governance rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you improve self‑control?
  • What strategies guide others?
A Different Perspective

People may ignore advice.

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