---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If the mind, which rules the body, ever…"
description: "\"“If the mind, which rules the body, ever forgets itself so far as to trample upon its slave, the slave is never generous enough to forgive the injury, ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_psychology_if-the-mind-which-rules-the-body-ever-fo_2119897.jpg"
---

#  If the mind, which rules the body, ever forgets itself so…

![“If the mind, which rules the body, ever forgets itself so far as to trample upon its slave, the slave is never generous enough to forgive the injury, but will rise and smite its oppressor.” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_psychology_if-the-mind-which-rules-the-body-ever-fo_2119897.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_psychology_if-the-mind-which-rules-the-body-ever-fo_2119897.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7d6/henry-wadsworth-longfellow-284_psychology_if-the-mind-which-rules-the-body-ever-fo_2119897.jpg)

> ““If the mind, which rules the body, ever forgets itself so far as to trample upon its slave, the slave is never generous enough to forgive the injury, but will rise and smite its oppressor.””

[Henry Wadsworth Longfellow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-wadsworth-longfellow/)

## About This Quote

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

The mind that governs the body must respect its own limits; when it abuses its subordinate, the subordinate will retaliate.

**In simple terms:** Respect your own mind’s power; abuse leads to backlash.

Key Takeaway

Never misuse power over your own inner self.

Themes

power respect retribution

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

- personal decision
- leadership
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

psychology ethics self‑control

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you ensure your inner voice remains balanced?
- What signs show you’re over‑controlling?

A Different Perspective

Mind may ignore its own limits, causing self‑destruction.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Slave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/slave/)

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