Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
A brief command suggesting someone stop moving or calm down.
In plain terms
Please sit down and be quiet.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes calmness requires a simple command.

Where it applies

  • de-escalating conflict
  • giving instructions
  • managing emotion

Putting it to work

  • using brevity to restore order
  • managing heated situations

Questions to consider

  • What lies behind the need to sit?
  • When is silence needed?

Another view

Brief commands may not address the root cause of agitation.

More from Arthur Miller

  1. Everybody likes a kidder, but nobody lends him money.

    Permalink to quote #51
  2. The only thing you got in this world is what you can sell. And the funny thing is that you're a salesman, and you don't know that.

    Permalink to quote #53
  3. Personality always wins the day.

    Permalink to quote #50

Related quotes

  1. Up Guards and at them again.

    Arthur WellesleyArthur Wellesley quote #3
  2. Please report to RF SS and to the Fuehrer that all arrangements against Jews, political and concentration camp internees in the Protectorate have been taken ca…

    Ernst KaltenbrunnerErnst Kaltenbrunner quote #4
  3. Watch out for the fellow who talks about putting things in order! Putting things in order always means getting other people under your control.

    Denis DiderotDenis Diderot quote #12