Who said “He that would govern others, first should be the master of himself.”?

Verified

Philip Massinger. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Bondman (1623), Act I, scene iii

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Bondman (1623), Act I, scene iii.

APA

Massinger, P. (n.d.). He that would govern others, first should be the master of himself. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/37075-he-that-would-govern-others-first-should-be/

MLA

Massinger, Philip. “He that would govern others, first should be the master of himself.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/37075-he-that-would-govern-others-first-should-be/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Massinger, Philip. “He that would govern others, first should be the master of himself.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/37075-he-that-would-govern-others-first-should-be/.