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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker warns they will match the treatment they receive, whether gentle or harsh.
In plain terms
If you are kind to me I will be kind, but if you are rough I will be difficult.
What can you take from it?
Treat others how you wish to be treated.

Where it applies

  • political negotiations
  • setting boundaries
  • deterrence

Putting it to work

  • responding to aggression
  • asserting independence

Questions to consider

  • How do you respond to disrespect?
  • Is it better to be gentle or firm?

Another view

It might escalate conflict if the other side misreads the warning.

More from Elizabeth I of England

  1. All my possessions for a moment in time.

    Permalink to quote #15
  2. Better to be a begger and single than a queen and married.

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. Mr Speaker,

    Permalink to quote #14

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