It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.
—Buddhist Teaching
Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
One of the most important, but one of the most difficult things for a powerful mind is, to be its own master. A pond may lie quiet in a plain; but a lake wants mountains to compass and hold it in.
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719) English Essayist, Poet, Playwright, Politician
He who would govern others should first be master of himself.
—Philip Massinger (1583–1640) English Playwright
How like herrings and onions our vices are in the morning after we have committed them.
—Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) English Poet, Literary Critic, Philosopher
No man is free who is not master of himself.
—Epictetus (55–135) Ancient Greek Philosopher
The first attribute that characterizes the greater man from the moron is his thicker layer of inhibition.
—Martin H. Fischer
He who reins within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.
—John Milton (1608–74) English Poet, Civil Servant, Scholar, Debater
Nothing makes it easier to resist temptation than a proper bringing-up, a sound set of values—and witnesses.
—Franklin P. Jones
If we resist our passions, it is more from their weakness than from our strength.
—Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613–80) French Writer
I am, indeed, a king, because I know how to rule myself.
—Pietro Aretino (1492–1556) Italian Poet, Dramatist, Satirist
No one who cannot master himself is worthy to rule, and only he can rule.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) German Poet
The control centre of your life is your attitude.
—Anonymous
To rule self and subdue our passions is the more praiseworthy because so few know how to do it.
—Francesco Guicciardini (1483–1540) Italian Historian, Statesman
Rule your mind or it will rule you.
—Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65–8 BCE) Roman Poet
He is a fool who cannot be angry; but he is a wise man who will not.
—English Proverb
He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
—Laozi (fl.6th Century BCE) Chinese Philosopher, Sage
All men are tempted. There is no man that lives that can’t be broken down, provided it is the right temptation, put in the right spot.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
About the only time losing is more fun than winning is when you’re fighting temptation.
—Tom Wilson (1931–2011) American Cartoonist
He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.
—Confucius (551–479 BCE) Chinese Philosopher
If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Govern thyself then you will be able to govern the world.
—Unknown
No conflict is so severe as his who labors to subdue himself.
—Thomas a Kempis (1379–1471) German Religious Priest, Writer
To enjoy freedom we have to control ourselves.
—Virginia Woolf (1882–1941) English Novelist
Over the times thou hast no power.—To redeem a world sunk in dishonesty has not been given thee. Solely over one man therein thou hast a quite absolute, uncontrollable power.—Him redeem and make honest.
—Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881) Scottish Historian, Essayist
Who to himself is law, no law doth need.
—George Chapman (c.1560–1634) English Poet, Playwright
No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.
—Barbara De Angelis (b.1951) American Self-Help Author
You are a puppet, but in the hands of the infinite, which may be your own.
—Antonio Porchia (1885–1968) Italian Poet
Do you want to know the man against whom you have most reason to guard yourself?. Your looking-glass will give you a very fair likeness of his face.
—Richard Whately (1787–1863) English Philosopher, Theologian
He that would govern others, first should be the master of himself, richly endued with depth of understanding and height of knowledge.
—Philip Massinger (1583–1640) English Playwright
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