This quote, “He that would govern others, first should be the master of himself,” is essentially a statement about leadership and self-control. It suggests that before someone can effectively lead or govern others, they must first be able to control and manage themselves. This means not only mastering one’s own emotions, impulses, and desires, but also understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, and being able to make wise decisions.

The idea of self-mastery includes emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and self-awareness. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Self-regulation involves controlling one’s behavior and impulses, while self-awareness is about recognizing and understanding one’s own mood, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.

This quote is relevant in today’s world, as it applies to various aspects of life, including politics, business, and personal development. In politics, for instance, a leader who cannot control their own emotions or who lacks self-awareness may make impulsive decisions or fail to understand the needs and feelings of their constituents.

In business, a manager who has not mastered themselves may struggle to effectively lead their team. They might let their emotions get the best of them, leading to poor decision-making or strained relationships with employees.

In personal development, self-mastery is often seen as a key to growth and success. By understanding and controlling our emotions and impulses, we can make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and achieve our goals.

In essence, the quote suggests that self-mastery is a prerequisite for effective leadership. Whether in the context of leading a nation, a team, or just one’s own life, the ability to govern oneself is the foundation upon which all other leadership skills are built.