---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When angry count to ten before you speak…"
description: "\"When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.\" — Thomas Jefferson"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8e/thomas-jefferson-43_anger_when-angry-count-to-ten-before-you-speak_1595324.jpg"
---

#  When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry…

![“When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8e/thomas-jefferson-43_anger_when-angry-count-to-ten-before-you-speak_1595324.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8e/thomas-jefferson-43_anger_when-angry-count-to-ten-before-you-speak_1595324.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8e/thomas-jefferson-43_anger_when-angry-count-to-ten-before-you-speak_1595324.jpg)

> “When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred.”

[Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/)

## About This Quote

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

Advocates counting to calm anger before speaking, suggesting longer counts for stronger emotions.

**In simple terms:** Count before speaking when angry.

Key Takeaway

Use breathing techniques to manage anger.

Themes

self‑control communication emotional regulation

Mood

thoughtful practical

Type

self‑help advice

When to use this quote

- conflict resolution
- public speaking
- personal relationships

Key Concepts

cognitive restraint stress management

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you apply this in heated debates?
- What other techniques calm you?

A Different Perspective

May not work for extreme anger.

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## Related quotes

> [When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, an hundred.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/when-angry-count-ten-before-you-speak-if-very-angry-an-hundred/)

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> [Don't speak when you are angry. Most of the time you'd say things you're going to regret later.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/don-t-speak-when-you-are-angry-most-of-the-time-you-d-say-things-you/)

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> [When angry, count four; when very angry, swear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/when-angry-count-four-when-very-angry-swear/)

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> [We have two hundred languages in Europe. Two hundred languages! Count them! I know you won't!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eddie-izzard/we-have-two-hundred-languages-in-europe-two-hundred-languages-count/)

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> [I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-am-for-freedom-of-religion-and-against-all-maneuvers-to-bring-about/)

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